Devanie.com

2ND DAY OF SCHOOL AND JUST AS CUTE AS EVER =)

I took some pictures of Zach while we waited for the girls to get home from school. The minute I set him on the grass he started tearing at it like crazy, he was loving the feel of the grass being torn by his hands. He’s such a happy baby. And he’s still my little baby. He’s not awing us with the speed at which he learns new things. He awes us with the happy laughter he produces just by doing silly things. I think he may have more of Uncles Leonard, Joe and Aarons humor. Our family needs that. Some one to really laugh with.

The girls after the 1st day of school yesterday. Sierra Was so excited to tell me about her day that she spilled her folder full of papers all over. What a cutie pie.

Hailey talked about all the kids she knew that were in her class from Kindergarten and 1st grade that are now with her in 2nd. She says 3 of them are bullys and Chuck already scribbled on one of her papers because he sits next to her and she had to spend a lot of time erasing his scribbles. Should I send in a letter to tell the teacher she has been bullied by this particular guy before and I’d like her seat changed, or should I let her learn (to be a bully or stick up for herself?) for herself??

He did not like being out in the sun even though you could not see the sun and it was overcast. When I laid him on his back facing the sky he would cover his eyes, close them and fuss. Nathan and I have pretty sun sensitive eyes, but C’mon! You were just in Nevada and it wasn’t overcast what changed?! Look Closley at the picture and you can see the top 3 teeth coming in – poor kid!

By the way I am pregnant. 10 weeks now. Baby #4 is on the way. According to the ultrasound I’m due on Sierra’s birthday March 26th, however, I will ask to be induced early since I have precipitus(fast) labors that last about 3 hours and seem to be getting less and less as I have kids so i’d rather be at the hospital to make sure we make it before it progresses too fast. My Mom had precipitous labors too. Also I’m not nearly as sick as I was with the girls. About as sick as I was with Zach and looking at the shape of the baby on the ultrasound it looked a bit more like baby Zach did. So my prediction according to that is it’s a boy. But Because I have experiance raising 2 red haird girls I will proabably have another one just like Sierra – Hardest by far.

Now that I have a boy and have raised girls I can tell Aunt Shana and Aunt Mel they can count themselves lucky to have all boys, they are way easier than girls and I’ve only had my boy for 10 months! I would have had more kids faster after Sierra if they were boys – instead of waiting 4 1/2 years between. I can only see the girls fraying my nerves even farther as they become teenagers. And everyone I talk to says boys are WAY easier than girls and they would have 20 boys rather than 1 girl. I love my girls, they sure are cute, but when strangers say “Boy do you have your hands full” Thy aren’t lying. I have all 3 hands full and soon I’ll have 4 hands full =)

I crave and want Nesquick chocolate milk all day long, and this morning I just wanted corn with butter and salt – so that’s what I had for breakfast. It’s what my pregnant belly wants and it is fun for me to go back and see the things I crave with each child. Like the wierdest thing I craved with Zach was sauerkraut, with Sierra I craved Mt. Dew and Oreo cookies(which luckily we were living by aunt Chris and she had some on her thanks again), and Hailey I only craved 1 thing – now I always crave something – almost unless I’m too nauseous and have too many aversions to food and the thought or sight of any food makes me want to puke. With Hailey it was a blueberry muffin and it had to be from Costco. – however then, we did not have Costco card or a friend that could pick some up for us so I bought a 4 pack from Albertsons and it did NOT hit the spot.

Hailey happily posed for pictures as she starts her 1st day of 2nd grade. She knew her teacher from last year and kindergarten becasue her “reading buddies” came from her class. So her nerves if she had any were clamed by the though of knowing who her teacher is this year.

I have the best friends!!!

She sent me an email that said,

“Mom, I made it!!”

I saw your girls and thought I’d send you their
picture. Have a good day with Zach.
Jen

Thank You Jen!!!!!

I had to clean the house for a 9:50 showing and was making banana bread to make sure it smelled good =)

FOR SALE

*Hardwood Flooring Rejuvenated in July
*Immaculate Like New Condition
*Professionally cleaned carpets Aug ’06

Entry: Beautiful large Foyer, Bold Entry Window Shelf, 2 TWO Coat Closets, Upgraded Staircase to include hardwoods and carpet runner, Upgraded upper hallway from carpet to Hardwood costing us an additional $1000+.

Dining Room: Speaks for itself, added Chair Railing, and Framed Decorative Molding in Dining beautiful paint, and Crown Molding in Dining, covered chandelier lights, crown cap accent at lights base.

Kitchen/Laundry/Mud Room/Hall/Pantry/1/2 Bath: Includes all upgraded GE Appliances, Advantium oven, Convection Oven, Large Refrigerator, Ultra Quiet Dishwasher, Built in Microwave, GE Spectra Ceramic cook top, Beveled Edge upgrade done on counter top (l@@k), Eat in Kitchen w/ Upgraded 12′ Ceiling, Perfect Walk in Pantry, with short walk from Garage for ease of unpacking groceries. Upgraded to include an Alarm System, Upgraded Pull out trash, Filtered water from refrigerator, Snack door in refrigerator, Mud room/Laundry room with Added additional shelving, Pull out shelving kitchen cabinets, Lazy Susan, Hardwood floors.

Family Room: Completely upgraded Raised Hearth with recessed marble facade and extra crown molding, upgraded Wood Burning Fireplace, Upgraded Padding in Family Room Carpet, Networked, Phone lines, cable ports, Satellite Dish Network installed, Office space, Beautifully handcrafted built in shelving.

Master Bedroom: Features a Bonus Sitting Room/Den/Office/Gym, Dual Walk in Closets Master BD, One Extra Large Closet MB, nice Tray ceiling architecture in Master BD, includes 3 Crawl Spaces for added storage – One is the size of Bedroom #4.

Master Bath: Jetted Bath, 2 Sinks Master Bath, Separate Shower and Bath in Master Bath, Tiled Floors and Showers in Bathrooms, Upgraded tiles in Master Bathroom, Upgraded Cabinetry in bathrooms cost us $600 per each 3 drawer built in, vaulted ceiling, exhaust fan, colored tiles, tiled shower, opaque shower doors.

Bedroom #4 Capabilities: In the Master Suite in the smaller walk in closet is a “Crawl Space” screwed shut right now, but I will open it up so that you can show people it’s ability to become a 4th bedroom! The entry would be the Hall Closet Door once finished. The only reason it was never built was because the Septic Tank “Can’t handle more than a 3 bedroom house” (according to the manufacture) The 4th bedroom can be MADE/Built once City Sewer comes through in about 1-2 years. It would just require lowering the Breakfast Nook ceiling, as that was made 12′ to make up for the loss of the bedroom for a few years. Also the Formal Living Room can become a 5th bedroom by adding French Doors. And of course you can add 2+ bedrooms to the basement making it a 7+ bedroom house if desired.

Upper Bonuses: Large Linen Closet Upper Hallway, Great storage/closet space throughout home including crawl spaces and attic in Bedroom to right in hallway. 2nd Bath Features ABILITY to add a Second Sink – Water pipes are already set up, 2 Door wide, Deep linen closet Great storage space in cabinets and closet! Bedrooms 1, 2 ,3 and Possible#4 loads of closet space!!

Exterior Features: Fully Landscaped, Vinyl Siding, Decorative Green Shutters, Keystone décor above windows, 10 X 15 Brick Porch, Added Remote controlled Sunsetter Brand Awning for Back Porch $4,000+, Sprinkler System Front and Upgraded to in Back Yards, Re-Seeded the backyard to match the front yard with Kentucky Blue Grass, Additional Landscaping to Front Door cost us $1,800, Upgraded from manual to 2 Garage Door Openers, Upgraded from blacktop to Belgium Block Curbing on asphalt driveway with Brick Apron, sod front yard, Installed Large Planter Mailbox, Vinyl Siding, Sliding Glass Door, 2 water spigots for hoses, additional touch up paint-may be available after sale, Upgraded Front door to include Decorative Glass, Paid Extra to have it painted the same color of the shutters, Newly painted “Bilco Doors”(to basement) and back porch steps, 2 car garage, Septic tank was inspected this summer ‘06. Upgraded landscaping around tank outlet, Pella Windows ( flip open for easy cleaning)

Basement: Upgraded to include Emergency Sump Pump in Basement, Upgraded 15 Year Tuff N Dry Basement protection, Upgraded Dual AC units Upstairs and Down, Upgraded to include Built in Humidifier to help preserve hardwood floors, Upgraded Ceiling Height, LARGE OPEN basement ceiling 9′+ to accommodate large finished rooms. Upgraded to add plug in basement for freezer capability. Upgraded from 8′ ceilings in basement to compensate for not being “walk out” to 9′+ ceilings.

Additional Features: Gas Furnace, 2 Unit Central Air Conditioning, Satellite Dish Network installed, Upgraded to include Cable Ports and Phone lines and Computer Network Ports in every BDR and in Sitting and Family Rooms, Installed 5 Ceiling Fans, Light and Open floor plan, Added Storage Shelving in garage – may be removed. Additional Outlets and upgraded lighting throughout. Washer and Dryer included Maytag very nice 4 years young, Pella Windows (easy clean), Added Honeycomb Blinds on all windows except the front entry arched window sliding door, and window in breakfast nook, Added light blocking curtains in bedroom #2, added blinds to sliding glass door, Kohler faucets, paid $3,225.00 to upgrade lighting through interior and exterior of home.

Community Perks:
As a Golf Estates resident there are discounts given at the go
lf course, check with them for the exact discounts. And as an added perk GR is a wonderful neighborly community!

Short drive to the beach Long Island Sound

1 ½ hr drive to New York City

Parks available

Very Very good school district. Top Notch!!

Just far enough away from the city it’s almost the country.

Surroundings There is a beautiful scenic walk to the Housatonic River at the back of this community that brings you under the train tracks, up stone steps, past the golf course and the Glendale Farms strawberry fields, over a beautiful winding boardwalk to a bench with steps leading to the wildlife on the Housatonic River. Beautiful!

Zach Just picked up a ball.

Held it in his hands and laughed.

He sucks on it

Talks to it

Smiles at it

Says Diii Di Diii Di Di to it

and can hold multiple toy balls at the same time.

He’s very happy

he woke up from his nap chipper and ready to play even though his top 2 teeth are bursting through the roof of his mouth, causing so much pain he gets fevers and runny noses.

It’s so cute and so different to have a boy.

The Virginia City Nevada High School reunions.

I’m finally abandoning household duties and checking emails, blogging and downloading over 2,000 pictures from my 35 day trip, and stressing about housework, Zach is napping and should be up in about 10 minutes so I have to do some things quickly.

My Second Grade Teacher Ms Rosso. Has married and her name has changed.

Mw, My HS Secretary Joyce, 2nd Grade teacher, 1st grade teacher Ms Carlson, and Sue -Matts Mom(from my class – I married him in 2nd grade and divorced him in 7th for not being an attentive husband and forgetful that he even married ME! Mrs. Devanie.com, Mrs Jr Virginia City, and miss. . .you look as good as you did in hisgh schoo, only better. So there you go.

My Friend Flower at the Wild Waters Reunion, Thomas, my brother, Garret Taylor(sunglasses) who played in the Jazz band with MaryAnne and came to the reunion to see “who would show up” and he was one of the only ones that did, Thanks bud!

Some of the younger kids that showed up to the ALL alumni reunion. Only one came from my graduation class of 32 Bobbie to the right of Molly and I

I try to spend my days out of the house because it only gets messy the longer the kids eat and play in it. I’m planning a day out with a friend, a couple of errands and well, quite frankly I just want to be home. I have been away for over a month and I have missed home terribly. I want to clean out and pack up some things to get rid of the clutter, and I want to sit back and rest. Today I woke up 2 hours earlier than normal, made breakfast for the family –

Breakfast Burritos

1/2 C ground beef
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
6 eggs
1/8 c milk
1 T butter

6 corn tortillas warmed in a paper towel and Wrapped in tin foil to keep heat in.
Shredded Cheese

Cook ground beef and add seasonings. Add milk and butter, scramble eggs with the beef. Place some cooked mixture in corn tortillas. Add shredded cheese wrap up and eat.

Zach and I really enjoyed them. I made plain scrambled eggs for the girls. And Nathan enjoyed some of those too.

Last night at 4:30 we showed the house. I spent 2 1/2 hours cleaning it before the 4:30 showing. There are still 3 huge clostes to clear out and some cabinents, and I haven’t gone near the pantry yet.

However I got the yard work done in the front yard, Nathan helped with the back yard. We keep the house immaculate and Nathan asks why we couldn’t do it when we were living in it. All I can say to that right now is, it takes 2 1/2 hours to clean each day – and the constant cleaning in between, does he want well cared for kids or a completely clean house? Because right now we have both! kids are getting a bit less attention than necessary, and when the girls head off to school next week keeping the house immaculate should be a lot easier.

I cleaned a lot of the basement, Cleared some pictures out of the garage and some misc items put away, Cleaned out the front 2 coat closets, put away things on countertops, put away excersaucers,a nd kids toys, did laundry, did dishes, swept, vacuumed, refreshed the water in the 4 fresh flower arrangemnts throughout the house.

The girls just gave me about $15.00 they said they are paying me for all the hard work I’ve done for them. Hailey brought me $3 in Quarters from her piggy bank and sierra brought a $10 and about $2 more in change. What sweeties. Now they better get their shoes on and clean up their messes so we can get out of the house and get our things done those darn cute, cuties!!!

Nothing much is new from the last post.

I’m still TRYING to keep the house clean, TRYING to raise 3 adorable kids, and TRYING to keep everyone fed and HAPPY!

Pray for us and know that we love you all!

All 4 of us made it back home.

It’s turning into a home that’s not quite mine anymore as the sign For Sale has gone up and it’s spotless(except for current playthings and dishes) There are things to pack. I am unpacked, my closet has about 3 garbage bags of clothes to throw up. Speaking of throw up. The airplane rides were pretty good. My first flight ever was the only time I ever got sick on a plane and I found out later that the reason I got sick was because I didn’t eat anything. This time I ate a ton of plane snack food but there was something about 3 kids, a hot and landing plane and all-day sickness that just couldn’t “hold down the fort” I found a bag. Hailey watched and asked if I was “spitting up” We had about 5 minutes before boarding our next flight. I was very shaky sore from holding a bouncing baby boy in my arms for 4 hours straight and the last flight started with Sierra’s horrible tantrum because she didn’t get the window seat this time. There were many snooty east coast women on the plane there to stare and witch at me.

The plane restrictions weren’t all that bad. They let me take Zach’s bottle and didn’t make me drink it in front of them – like the hairdressers said I was going to have to do. The Reno line moved quickly, it’s such a small airport.

When we saw Nathan I had to be sure I was the first to give him a hug, so I dropped my things and ran up to him, I cried, He had a beautiful rose bouquet for me and carnation bouquets for each of the girls. He’s so wonderful and dang he’s so handsome! I missed him so much! We lugged the luggage to the car. I was so nauseous walking to the car that I told him I needed to drive or I’d be sick. I’ve been through it so much that I know better than to have someone else drive. My stomach was so empty from meal-less flights, so we pulled over picked up McDonald’s took it home and ate. It was about 10PM when we got everyone settled for bed. And I was HOME!!!

August 16th 2006

Well needless to say we couldn’t find a babysitter for our anniversary it’s the worst yet best day for us because there are about 4 birthdays that coincide with our anniversary that everyone is caring about the birthday in their immediate families. We already celebrated my Dads while I was in NV but his Bday is on the 16th too.

We spent the day as a family. He and Hailey Blew up 9 Balloons for our 9th Anniversary and tied them to the chair at the table, allowing Zach and I to sleep in until 10:30. Nathan gave me a Beautiful Diamond Past, Present, and Future ring with 3 princess cut diamonds on a ring with hearts on the setting. SO beautiful. We all went to them mall for lunch and to get the ring re-sized and pick up birthday gifts.

Sierra said a couple cute things. While we were at Zales Nathan showed her a big diamond ring and said your husband better be able to buy you a diamond twice that size! Then she said, “When I get married I want a Zales Diamond”

As we left to drop off Aunt Shana’s gift the 1800FLOWERS delivery guy brought Nathans gift of 1 Dozen red roses, 2 Happy Anniversary Balloons, and a box of chocolates. I took them into the house since we were already packed in the car. While I was coming back Sierra said, “I hope I get a Husband as good as you Dad.”

After our road trip and another unsettled stomach bout where I had to rest for 15 minutes we had a pizza party, and watched some TV shows. Nathan got me all caught up on So You Think You Can Dance just in time to record the finale. The person I thought was going to win DID!! Nathan thought it was going to be the other guy.

The Neighbors took the girls for the evening. And cooked smores over their pit. SO we did get a sitter for a little while, however it was at Zachs fussy bedtime and Nathan was working for GE while I tried to get Zach to sleep. Then we sat together on the couch looking at the 1800Flowers Baby arrangements to sent to Uncle Mike and Aunt Denise who – wouldn’t you know it has their baby early August 16th – on our Anniversary, so we ordered some roses to send to the hospital. I unpacked my 3 huge suitcases, cleaned up a bit and went to bed. (I thought I at least had a card for Nathan on our anniversary I didn’t) and The only time I had to go get something he was with me. So instead of me Wasting his money on something he wouldn’t ever want I told him I saved him money for our anniversary. The I gave him a token gift I got a few years back Some were Hugs some Kisses some breakfast in bed, he cashed them all in last night.

We keep getting 1 ring phone calls – out phone is on the fritz If you are trying to contact us call one of our cell phones.

Thanks Mike: I thought this was a fun one to post.

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community. The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, The California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch. The grave site was piled high with flours.

Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times he still was a crusty old man and was considered a positive roll model for millions.

Doughboy is survived by his wife Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop Tart.

The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

If this made you smile for even a brief second, please rise to the occasion and take time to pass it on and share that smile with someone else who may be having a crumby day and kneads it.