Racism....

Ok this post is a hard one to get out what I really want to say while trying to remain calm and rational!! Tonight at the dinner table the kids were telling us about their experience on the bus after school. There was a boy who is about Julia's age picking on Jordon and Jackson and she had to step in, when she did the boy said " white is stronger then black" he then stuck out his tongue at her and she said " you look like an idiot when you do that". My kids then moved seats and nothing else happened! From the name they gave me and description of where he lives I know who he is and also know his mom! I also know that calling her would do absolutely no good at all!

I am so angry at this, my kids should not have to deal with that! I do realize that they are a minority but this is the 21st century or something like that will racism never end? There are alot of really nice kids out there too don't get me wrong!! These kids are at such a young age and they had to be taught these things! So at this point I don't know what to do, I can't go pick them up everyday and they have rights to be there and live their lives without fear of being harassed every time they get on the PUBLIC SCHOOL BUS!! I am hurting for my kids and am angry at myself for not being able to fix it. Julia is good about brushing it off she said "I got used to it last year mom", what...used to it...no way not right!! Jordon doesn't get it as to why they pick on him he just gets angry and wants to "beat them heads up" ! He doesn't resist temptation so easily but when those kids get hurt you bet they will point the finger at him, again not right!! Jackson has no idea what is going on other then he was right and there are bullies at school, again not right!!

Well I am gonna close on this, I hope somehow things change and that my children remain strong and stay proud of who they are, beautiful, loving children of God!!!

The Other Video...

Yesterday when I did my video's You Tube wouldn't let me upload both of them, but today it let me do the other so here it is...Grandma the girls know their ABC'S...lol!

Singing!

The girls made a video for Grandma today so I thought I'd share it! They are well on their way to Broadway so here is a taste....

Weekend Alone!!

Oh my what an amazing weekend!! This weekend the kids stayed with Uncle Kenny in Parkston so mom and dad could celebrate their anniversary and do some much needed relaxing!! I can honestly say that relaxing is just what I needed and also feel closer then ever to my hubby!!

Friday the kids headed off at 6pm and we headed to Flandreau where we had a suite for the night!! We ate supper and hung out with my Dad and Les for a few hours, didn't win a dime...lol!! After that we took a nice evening walk and then enjoyed some whirlpool therapy!! It was a very nice romantic night!!

Saturday we did some yard work and walked the dog in the day! That evening we went to the lake to visit Mom and Wayne & Steph and Cody. We grilled steaks and visited around the campfire, lots of fun!

Sunday morning we went back to the lake in the am to do some fishing from the boat, well it was actually catch and release practice but fun none the less!! We came home and did some inside housework and then relaxed till we had to head back to Sioux Falls to get the kids, we stopped at BK first to bring the kids a snack!! We were all glad to see each other and be home too!

I worried about them and missed them alot but sure did appreciate the break!! I called Friday night and Saturday am to check on them and Kenny said " Barbara how can you be relaxing if you are constantly calling to check on them?" I agreed and said I would not call again, but that if they wanted me or he needed ANYTHING to call me, that was a long 24hrs...hehehe!! I hope everyone else enjoyed their weekends too!!

Back To School!!

The kids went off to school Friday am with out any hesitation! Jackson was so excited and not worried at all! He had a good day and said "it's really fun....Iam good at Kindergarten"! Such a cutie! I took a picture of the 3 of them all spiffed up before school so I will share that!! Hope all the other kid's had a good day too!!

Julia, Jordon and Jackson 1st day of school, August 24th, 2007!

Janaya Funny..

I just thought I'd share a conversation I just had with Janaya, if you don't know she is my 3 year old!
I was sitting on my bed visiting with Britton when she came in, I noticed she had on a different shirt :

Me: Where is the other shirt you had on?

Janaya: I lost my new shirt, it's in the toy box ( she then started to giggle)

Me: Go get the other shirt and put it in the laundry please!

Janaya: Oh I can't find it mom...it's lost...I just can't...

Me: You just told me it's in the toy box, I bet if you go look you will find it...just look in the toy box.

Janaya: Ok! Fine MOM!!

This was just really funny to me and shows she has quite the imagination! Now did she go get the shirt and put it in the laundry room, I don't know yet I haven't checked....Have a good one!!

School Visits!

I took the kids up to the school today to meet their teachers and put their supplies away! It was a really good time and we were in and out in an hour! Jackson wasn't nervous till we walked into his room then he grabbed my hand!! Once they said "Hi" to him he was ok! By the time he left he seemed at home! Unfortunately his teacher is ill right now so he will have to wait to meet her, hopefully she is feeling well soon!!

Julia was very excited to meet her teacher and is ready to get back to school!! Jordon was a bit shy but seemed to like Mrs. Fjerstad as well! He enjoyed unpacking his things and wasn't sure why we had to leave and not stay!! LOL.

Hopefully when I leave them tomorrow its a good day and I don't shed too many tears!! I am sure as the weeks go by I will enjoy not having so many kids here all day, it would be nice if I could be with them all the time but I am told I can't !! Hope all you other Kindergarten mom's have a good day tomorrow and pull through!!

August 21st, 2003

4 years ago today I married a wonderful, loving man! We have had many ups and downs and each one has made us stronger and strengthend our love! He takes such good care of us and loves us very much!! I can't imagine my life with out you Brit and look forward to many many more years together!!

Because our anniversary falls on a weekday we will just enjoy a nice dinner here at home! But..celebrate this weekend we shall do! My brother Kenny and his wife Jill will be taking all 4 kids Friday at 6 and keep them till Sunday at 6p. I am so excited because this never happens, THANK YOU Kenny and Jill!!!! My dad and his wife Lesli got Brit and I a suite for Friday night over in Flandreau so I am really excited for that too, Thanks guys!!! It should be a good weekend!

I also want to thank all the friends and family who have supported us over the years, it means the world to us!!

Teachers!

I went up and checked the list tonight and am pleased with the teachers my children will have!
Julia will be in 4th grade and will have Mrs. Eich, she was very excited about this so that made me feel good!
Jordon will be in 2nd grade and he got Mrs. Fjierstad, Julia said she is very nice so again pleased.
Jackson will be in Kindergarten and will havae Mrs. Osterberg, Julia again said oh she is good. I also read Tracy's blog earlier and from her review I am satisfied too! Jackson is getting a bit nervous as it approaches and has lots of questions, hopefully it will be easier for him than he is anticipating, poor guy!! He asked me today if he can just stay here and help me, lol, too cute!!
Hope all your kids have a great year at school!!

I think I am in training...

Oh my this has been quite a busy week, and it's not over yet! As far as my depression I am feeling better, I think it was just another spurt and is on the way out the door!! YAY! First of all this week my other nephew and niece are back in my daycare so it's been run here and run there with little ones everywhere! That would be where the "training" came into play, I should be ready for a marathon soon if they don't slow down..hehehe!! It's better then being slow I will say that! Baby Cooper is not adjusting well to "sharing" Auntie but then again I am sure he will come around soon! I do love being with my niece and nephews as much as I am and am truly blessed to be so close to them and a part of raising them like I am!!

I did get a call from a lady who has 3 children one in Kindergarten and one in preschool that wouldn't be here too much but she also has a 5 month old which would make things a bit more tough but will see, its not final yet so there is time to get things worked out!! I also think that when school starts it will be better as the big kids will be gone!

My mother in law and sister in law were her Monday and Tuesday so the kids have been wound up and of coarse ecstatic to see her!! It was a short visit but nice!! She always knows how to make them feel special and yes spoils them with love, hugs, kisses and toys!! Hopefully they wont' have to wait to many months between her next visit!! Brit didn't get to see her too much with work but enjoyed his time too!

Jackson I think has a bit of the flu today. He has been laying around and nauseous as well. I am trying to keep him away from the others as it always seems if one gets it the others follow!! Hopefully it will be short lived!!

Well I think that is all that is going on right now. Have a good week!!

Time Flies...

I keep thinking I got things ready for school and then I realize I have a few more things to get. I ordered some really cute shoes for the kids from Payless online and was amazed at how unexpensive they were!! For $50 I got 3 pairs of shoes and that includes shipping costs....pretty good if you ask me!! I still have a few minor supplies to get for Jordon, 2nd grade seems to have the longest list!! I need to Jackson a few more pairs of jeans too but I have been holding off because he has a Spetember b-day and the granparents are good about getting clothes for the kids!! Julia is set to go so I am making some progress...hehehe! Before I know it it will be time to christmas shop and that is another ordeal with 4 kids!

Jeff called this week and now they are saying it will be December before we can get the house!! I am so frustrated now, the date keeps changing!! There is still nothing else here we are interested in and have looked at surrounding towns as well. One possibility is Colman as they are opening a new develoment there with lots starting at 12K. I don't really want to live in Colman but it would be nice for Brit and closer to SF and Brk! I hate the thought of being "here" that long and moving in the WINTER!! It's a tough decision for us but I am sure the answer will come.

Today Julia was practicing handstands in the living room with Janaya running circles and ended up kicking Janaya in the mouth. Let me tell you there was blood everywhere and a HUGE hole. I took her up to the hospital and had mom look and a few nurses. They called the doctor and he wanted to look to see if she needed stitches. It is very deep and right at the corner of her mouth. He said lets just watch it because kids tend to rub thier tongues on them and untie them. He also said even though the mouth is really germ filled infection doesn't usually happen so we'll see. She is definately hurting and that is rotten enough!!

I am having a rough time with my depression again over the last few weeks. I think it is a combination with school starting, the house and everyday stress. I am taking my medication and have been but it just seems to be breaking through. It is really rough to deal with everything when I feel this way but I keep going for the family. As selfish and unreal as it sounds I wish I could take a weekend or few days and just go somwhere calm and relaxing for myself, I know don't we all but if anyone is with me let me know!!

Well I hope everyone has a good weekend...

Check out my Slide Show!

Oh what a wonderful weekend!! I haven't had this much fun with my kids in a very long time!! We left Friday and arrived in Omaha at 5:30 and got all checked in! After we ate we went swimming for a bit before "trying" to get the kids to lay down for the night!! Saturday we got to the Zoo right at 8:30a and were there till 1:30. We walked and walked and saw so much amazing stuff. The experiences they had were absolutely amazing!! There are so many things we did and saw I can't possibly get it all on here, so there will be a slide show with lots of pictures to show you! If you haven't been there you should. Everyone was happy and so glad to be there. After the Zoo we headed back to the motel or was that tried, yes the hubby and I read directions wrong and got lost, not so fun! It didn't take us long to figure it out but it is such a rotten feeling to be lost!! We took all 5 of the kids to the Olive Garden for supper and they were so good it was great! I LOVE that place!! We swam again before bed and then gotup Sunday am and headed to Sioux Falls for groceries on the way home!! I must say I seem to spend more when I shop in SF then if I go to Brookings, why is that?? We got home about 3p and can't wait till we can go back to see the rest of it...hehehe!! I think this weekend was just what the doctor ordered!! Hope everyone had a good weekend! Enjoy the slide show, I know it's gonna be long try to bear with me!!

I just want to Blog...

If you haven't noticed I have not been blogging much lately....as it seems there is nothing going on other then the ordinary!! I mean who wants to say the same thing over and over again..lol! But I guess that also means nothing bad is going on so thank the Lord for that!! Today I will be packing as we leave tomorrow as soon as Brit gets home from work for Omaha. The kids are really excited now and it will be so nice to get away! So you will have to look for a slide show when I return.

I saw on the news last night about the bridge in Minneapolis collapsing...that is so sad and my heart goes out to the victims and there family's, also to all the rescuers and volunteers !! I just can't imagine what any of them are going through!! I have always hated the really "long" bridges over big bodies of water because I fear something like that happening but always tell myself it won't , how could it...and it does happen and a horrible tragedy!! Please Pray for the people there now as they are in need!!

I have been toying with the idea of going back into the workforce this last week. Income is always something we seem to need more of and my daycare is real slow right now! There have been at least 4 jobs I have been scoping that would be really good for me but the pay is not really enough to compensate for me going. Janaya would only be in daycare about 20 hours or so but I swore I wouldn't do that again! Oh what to do. The other issue is I would be losing income elsewhere and would have to make that plus enough to make it worth it. So I put out my flyer and will see if I can get a few more kids before I make any hasty decisions. I know the kids will be in school but I still like to be the one who sends them off and the one here when they return. And if they are sick or Jordon has issues at school I am readily available. These are hard decisions for me and hope I make the right ones for the whole family!

Well I am gonna get to laundry and packing, hope everyone has a good weekend and stays safe!!

Janaya's Preschool/ Well baby check-up

Wow do children ever grow fast! Janaya had her physical on Friday with Dr. Beecher! She is 39 1/2 inches (75th percentile) and 47.2 pounds ( >95th percentile). She asked her if she follows everything her brothers do and she gladly replied "yes"! She said her wait is something to keep an eye on for now but not to worry too much!! She asked Janaya a variety of question's to see what she knows and can and can't do! She answered her very well and accurately too. When she asked her if she can kick a ball Naya said..."yes but only by myself". LOL. Naya told her her favorite color is purple and she can dress herself, oh yeah and she can hear everything mom and dad say!! She had to get one shot, the chicken pox one! She didn't even cry at all! I can't believe how big she is getting and especially that she is gonna go to school!

Today we went down to check out crazy days and watched the Firemans water fight! The kid's like the grab bags and the jumping castle. That gave mom some time to look for some school clothes. I must say that it used to be much more and Madison definitely needs more for shopping!! I found a few shirts for the kids and a few for Brit but I think most of my school shopping will be in Brookings or Siouxfalls! After that we came home and the kids enjoyed the afternoon in the pool. For supper we grabbed some Taco's and went to the park and that was loads of fun!

Julia is feeling much better now that she has been on the oral antibiotic. She still has some draining but no pain!!! She even went to gymnastics this week!!! I am thinking she will be like me and need to wear ear plugs for swimming or this is gonna continue to happen.

I think tomorrow we might try the public pool for some afternoon fun. One more week till we go to the Omaha Zoo, we are all getting excited now! I just need some "Fun" before school starts which is just around the corner....too soon if you ask me!! Hope you all had a good weekend!!

Ear Infections....

Does anyone else here totally hate ear infections?? Of all the illness my kids have had the most trouble with this is it!! 3 of my 4 children have had PE Tubes in, Julia actually twice! Jordon has maybe had 3 his whole life....lucky him! This is something I have actually dealt with my whole life too and still get them at least every year! Julia did really well after her first set of tubes and then Dr. Todd put them back in when she had her tonsils removed in May of 2006. She got water in her ears a few weeks back and now has this horrible infection. I took her in today and they gave her Ciprodex drops to cure it. Janaya used them at least 3 times and they worked so I am hopeful they work. But today has been pure hell ( sorry) with her. She is in so much pain, running a temp and just plain miserable. She just cries and cries I hate that when you can't make your child's pain go away!! She is so drugged up right now too and is acting almost like she is hallucinating, weird I know! She is on Tylenol with Codiene and taking like Dimetapp to help with the fluid in her ears, she is snowed and I hate that to happen to kids!

Wow I am really fired up on that one!! Anyway on to more exciting news. We had planned on going to Brit's family cabin up in Door County Wisconsin for our big summer vacation but plans have changed and that is not possible now!! BUMMER!! But I mentioned the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo to Brit we checked it out and agreed it would be good! I found good motel rates and we booked it so on Aug 3-5 we will do that! We will go up Friday and swim that night and then hit the Zoo all day on Sat and take in an IMAX theater show. Sunday we will come home and I think the kids will Love it! I am also gonna take Lydia (Jill's daughter ) with so that should be fun nor the kids too!! I think I am more excited than anyone right now but I think they are thinking like Sioux Falls Zoo. Not that that zoo is bad but there are bigger and better.

I have been trying to think about what Brit and I could do for our weekend with out the kids for our Anniversary, which is August 21st. They will be gone the 26th &27th of Aug so if anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them. I do know that I need to go somewhere where there is an Olive Garden because that is way over do....YUMMY!! Guess that is all for now have a good day!!

Weekend

Wow I can't believe I haven't posted for a whole week. I guess you can tell then that not much went on.
This weekend we went to Parkston to visit my brother Kenny and his wife Jill. My dad went along as well. There Mud Racing there and we thought the kids more so the boys would enjoy that so we tried it. They liked it but it was pretty warm so that made for some irritation to start with. Also between races they dig out the track and water it so it made for lots of sitting time and they would get restless and start to wander!! The kids had lots of fun with the misting tent and the fire truck that would spray the kids too. They got a flag, lots of candy and autographs from the winners. It was a good time all in all. They even offered to take the kids the weekend around our anniversary to we can have sometime together, I don't even know what that would be like a weekend with no kids!! But I am looking forward to it anyway! We stayed the night and got home this afternoon.

Don't have much planned this week. Julia has an ear infection and it's draining, those tubes are good for ears but when they do get an infection its really kindof gross! Hopefully the drops help and it clears soon. Well better get back to laundry everyone have a good week!!

Weekend news...

Wow the hot is back...uuggh!! Pretty soon we'll be saying it's too cold and want the hot...lol! This weekend has been great family time. We hung out Friday here at home and just took it easy! Saturday night we met Papa, Grandma and Grt Grandma Hoeke at the lake for some fishing. They caught quite a few "little" fish but had an awesome time and it's such good practice. Papa got a pole fixed up for Julia so she had a blast!! Janaya is still learning that you can't run around screaming and jumping if you want to catch fish...hehehe! With Brit and the grandparents helping the kids I got to have my own pole and fish for myself for the first time and I caught one...YAY mommy!! It was so much fun!
Sunday we cleaned in the am and then late afternoon headed back out to the lake (grandparents were camping) to do some more fishing along with grilling, swimming and of coarse smores...mmm..good!! They had such a good day and I love seeing all the smiles! Brit got in some good bonding time with the older kids and they love that! It was the first time Great Grandma Hoeke got to fish with the kids too!! I love wonderful weekends like this...Hope all had a good one too!!

Just Some Info!!

We looked at 2 houses tonight, the one by the lake is an absolute no go!! You couldn't pay me to live there let alone me pay to buy the place! The house on SW 1st was definitely a good one but we are having a hard time buying something with a higher price then the house we really want and it being less in quality! It was a nice house and it would work but what are you to do when your heart and eye's can only see your dream. Our other option is to wait for this house and the earliest we would be able to take possession of it would be October. I really hate to stay here that long but on the other hand we are always gonna wonder about the house we wanted and I really don't want to live with that!! So the plan as of now is to wait the 3-4 months for the house we want. Jeff told us that it should be 3-4 months before it's done and that we will still have the same deal as we did now! As hard as this is for me the thought of not having that house is worse! Such hard a decision this has turned out to be! I never thought buying a house would be this way. It just seemed easy the bank gives you a loan, you pick out a house and boom its done...WRONG! The problem is finding a house you like and that all the other ducks fall into place at the same time. I guess this is part of growing up and making responsible decisions in life, maybe you keep growing up as you get older and it's not something you reach and have it for life. I don't mean to bore anyone here or confuse you, if I did I apologize, I am just putting my thoughts in writing!

Ok on to other news....Jackson and Janaya appear to have foot and mouth disease. If you don't know what that is you can get sores (like little blisters) in your mouth and throat and on your hands and feet. Right now they both just have them in there mouths and Janaya's are worse then his but he handles pain way worse then she does. Julia had this when she was 2 and it was BAD she actually ended up in the hospital for a few days with a feeding tube, now that was rough!! Hopefully they won't get much worse and will clear soon!

Also I got a myspace page now and my sister in law has designed it really nice for me if you want to check it out the address is....http://www.myspace.com/barbboe

Guess that is all for today Have a great day!!

Now What?

Ok this is got to be one of the worst Monday's in along time! I talked with Jeff this am and the sellers have decided to build! Well the bad part is they are not gonna sell the house till theirs is ready which won't be till closer to winter at least!! So they told him we can either wait or find another house and that we are not bound to our offer anymore!! I am so devastated about this!! So we are looking again and have an appointment tomorrow night to look at 2 houses! I hope it goes better this time and if we don't find one I guess we know it will be for sale someday!

The rest of the weekend was nice on Sat night Brit and I went over to Flandreau to celebrate Lesli's b-day and it was fun! A good day to go to the casino...7 7 7....lol! On Sunday we headed back to Brooking's to pick up a few things for the van and a POOL for the kids! All in all in was a nice weekend!! I will post again after we look at these two houses!