What's Happening?

It's a reoccurring theme around here...  Busy, busy, busy!  That's the name of the game for now and I don't look for it to change anytime soon.  And to be very honest, I don't know if I'd know how to handle "boring". 

So, here's the run down on our busy and fun-filled lives:

Chad is doing great.  Loving his job.  Changed to a new position.  Graduating in a few weeks with his Associates degree.  Will continue on to UCM this fall to get his Bachelors in Industrial Technology. 

I am doing well also.  Love my job. :-)  No new position for me.  I have one more semester left before I graduate with my Associates in Business Management.  I've decided to continue on after I graduate to get my Bachelors in Business. 

Cody is playing baseball this summer.  Looks like he'll be rotating between the pitchers mound and 1st base.  Archery is done for this school year.  He had a blast and plans to continue with the Archery team in the fall when he starts 5th grade (WHAT?!).

Samantha Grace just finished her Spring Soccer season.  She continues to love drawing.  We've bought her three drawing portfolios and she has filled two of them already.  She definitely has a gift for drawing.  Can't believe she'll be 9 in a few weeks and finishing up with her 3rd grade year!!

Chloe Faith also just finished up with her Spring Soccer season.  She absolutely loved soccer this season!  She scored a few goals and was able to kick around the ball quite a bit.  Kindergarten Round-Up was a couple weeks ago, so she is all ready to start school in the fall.  It's definitely going to be a change for all us, but very exciting too!

Bubbles is doing great.  He doesn't move as fast as he did a few years ago, but then again he will be 13 years old this August!  He's getting a bit more sassy in his old age, but we love him more and more everyday!  Such a sweet "furry" soul. 

Well, that about does it for the updates.  I hope everyone has a wonderful summer!!

Catching Up

It's certainly been awhile since I've given an update about our crazy days.  We've spent the last month or so getting sick, getting well, going to school, trying to keep up with college classes, getting sick again, getting well again, running the children around to their activities, and just plain trying to keep our heads above water. 

No doubt that it's been a long and interesting month, but we've made it out the other side in one piece.  There were definitely many times during the last few weeks that I've had to constantly remind myself, "This too shall pass".  And, it did.  Thankfully!!

Keep a look out for my many posts to follow.  I have pictures coming out of my ears.  Just have to get them uploaded.  I'm hoping that it doesn't take me another month to do that.... 

We're Getting Closer

Another semester of college classes has come and gone.  Nothing too exciting, other than being able to cross a few more classes off the list of to-do's.  In some ways it seems as if we have been at this FOR-EV-ER.  Yet, other times it seems like it is flying by.  Just depends which day you would ask. 

To help propel the end goal, we both took a crash course over the holidays.  A 16 week course condensed into 10 days.  That was interesting.  It doesn't matter.  We've finished and both passed with flying colors.  Check.  Another one bites the dust. 

So, as we head into the spring semester that begins next week, we are both dreading it and very excited too!  It's the last semester for Chad.  Then, he gets to move on to UCM to finish his bachelor degree.  For me, I'm going to finish my degree this summer.  Hopefully, the classes I need will be offered and I'll be done before the kids go back to school in the fall.  We'll see. 

2012 is going to be an exciting year!  We can't wait to finish one chapter of our lives and move on to the next.   Giddy up!!

Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner was a bit more quiet than in previous years.  Usually, there are more people than room at the table.  Not this year.  We ended up staying home this year and our family wasn't able to join us.  So, it was the 5 of us.  (Well, 6...we can't forget Bubbles)

It was still nice.  We've become very proficient in making the best out of any situation.  And, so we did.  Our meal was great.  The company was even better.   And, like many holiday dinners that have occurred in the past, a few (mainly Chad) enjoyed a nice after dinner nap.  Some things never change.

A Gift from Samantha

Miss Samantha got me a gift this year that I think is one of the most unique and beautiful things I have ever received. 

It's a bracelet made from antique silverware handles.  Samantha chose the charms.  

They are a puppy dog, a cross, and a little child praying. 

A couple at our church make these and Samantha has admired the jewelry many times.  I feel so lucky to have one now.  Thank you so much, Samantha Grace!!  I love you. 

Christmas Breakfast

Baking is one of my favorite things!!  Usually, life creates a schedule that doesn't allow me to enjoy baking as much as I would like.  However, the holidays at our house bring a few extra minutes and an increased need for a little baking.

This year, I decided to go out on a limb and try something I've never done before....I attempted to make cinnamon rolls from scratch!!  It was very intimidating.  But, they turned out better than I could have hoped!

Getting ready to go in the oven.

My 1st batch of Cinnamon Rolls!!

They were Delish!!!

Our Family

We bought a new camera.  It's wonderful!  There are so many features and settings that I will probably spend the better part of the year trying to figure it out.  But, it's still awesome!  

So, in honor of our new camera....

Here are some family pictures.

  Chad & Chloe

 A daddy and his girls.

Chad and the three amigos.

Samantha, Mom, Chloe and Cody

I love them so much!!

Open Up Those Books

It's time again.  School is starting.  For all of us!!

Chad and I begin our classes today.  Chad is continuing with his two class plan.  It's definitely a struggle to fit in time for two classes with his work schedule, but he's dedicated to trying to get done as soon as possible.  I've decided to tackle five classes this semester.  I'm not sure I was in my right mind when I signed up for that many, but we'll see how it goes.

Cody and Samantha start on Wednesday.  Cody will be in the 4th grade this year.  Samantha will be in the 3rd grade.  They seem fairly excited about their year ahead and the new teachers they have.  It's just going to be a struggle to get back into a routine of early bed times and early mornings.

Miss Chloe is also starting school this year too.  She is going to be going to Preschool every day in the afternoons.  She has mixed emotions about this.  She really wants to meet new friends and go to school like her brother and sister, but being separated from Mom is going to be a little sad for her.  I'm expecting a few rough days/weeks, but I hope that once she realizes how much fun they have she'll do great!!

Here's to hoping that our new school year is filled with kind teachers, new friends, fun memories and lots of knowledge!!

A Visit to America's Hometown

On our way home from Chad's family in Iowa, we decided to stop in Hannibal, Missouri.  Hannibal is the the hometown of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain.  Hannibal sits right on the Mississippi River and has so much to see and experience.

The small town feeling is so welcoming.   The view of the river is amazing.  And, the amount of history here makes kids of all ages feel like there is a time long ago that would have been so amazing to experience.  I've never been one to enjoy history, but when you are able to see and experience the sights and monuments, it makes it so real.  So captivating.

The first evening we got there we went for a walk down to the River.

Mark Twain was a Steamboat Pilot

The Mississippi River

We had supper here the first night.

Belly's are full.

Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain's father's law office.

The town was bursting at the seams with charm.

The Lighthouse.

We went on a trolley ride around town.

Mark Twain statue

Mark Twain Mississippi Riverboat

The view from Lover's Leap was breathtaking.  Hannibal is in the background.

A view from Lover's Leap.  Hannibal and the Mississippi River.

We also got to see "The Unsinkable" Molly Brown's birthplace and museum.

Her trunk and clothes would have been similar to this when she was on the Titanic.

She was on her way to Hannibal when the Titanic sank.

We really enjoyed our visit to Hannibal and plan to return sometime soon to visit the cave's and maybe take a riverboat ride.  There was so many things to do and see, with just not enough time. 

The relaxing and slow pace of the town was a perfect getaway from the bustle that will be starting with school and fall activities just around the corner.  

One Year

February 1st.  Chad's one year anniversary with his new job.  

February 5th.  One year ago, we moved into our new home in Missouri.

It's crazy to think that a year has went by already.  I vividly remember the feeling I had leaving Nebraska.  Thinking that there was no way I could do this.  No way I could move 5 hours away from my family and friends.  Wondering how I was ever going to survive outside of my comfort zone.  

It's strange to recall the events leading us here.  Almost like I was not really there...but more like we were observers of this chaos called, Our life.  

The day I went to pick up the kids from their school.  Their last day.  It was gut wrenching.  So many tears.  I was crying.  The kids were crying.  Friends were crying.  Teachers were crying.  We. were. a. mess!!  Every part of my being was screaming DON'T GO!!!   But, we did.  

We slowly found a routine.  A new normal.  A new life.  And now...

Life is good.  No.  Life is GREAT!!  We are better than ever!  

Learning to live in the moment and love where you are at has been the answer to my prayers.  Change is definitely not easy.  But, it can be the exact thing you never thought you needed.  

Working Hard

Grades have been coming out the last few weeks.  Both for Chad and I and Cody and Samantha as well.  Cody, in 3rd grade, gets letter grades now and they have honor roll too.  Samantha, in 2nd grade still goes with the S+, S, O, and U grading system.  

Samantha has always received S or S+, which means she is doing a GREAT job!

Cody has really had to work hard this year.  Big change from 2nd to 3rd grade.  But, he made the "A" Honor Roll this semester and it was in the paper.

Very proud of both of the kids!!

Chad and I also got our grades for last semester.

Even with all of the hours Chad puts in at work, he maintained A's & B's in all of his classes!  Very proud of him for that.

Unsure of how I did, I was mighty relieved and happy to find out that I made the SFCC President's List with a 4.0 GPA for Fall Semester!

A mighty good showing by the Williams' family, I think!

When I Grow Up

For 8 1/2 years, I've just been Mom.  The one who manages the house, the bills, the kids and everything in between.  It's been the best years of my life...and the most challenging.

Every once in a while(when the kids ask about the "old days"), I think back to a time when I was out in the workforce.  A time when I interacted with people older than five.  A time when it wasn't so cool to wear a ponytail everyday of the week.  And, it did matter if my shirt was used as a napkin.

As much as I try to ignore it, my time of staying at home is diminishing.  Chloe will be attending preschool next year and then the year following, she will be in school just like Cody and Samantha.  Part of me is so excited for that chapter in our lives.  All three kids in school.  Chad and I both having a career.  I'm not sure what that will feel like, but I'm still excited.

The one looming question...What will I be when I grow up?

My degree is for Business Management.  Can't really go wrong with a business degree.  After finishing this degree, I plan to continue with something more specialized.  I have ideas.  Many ideas.  All very different from each other.  Equally exciting.

I guess for now I'll stay the course.  Take it as it comes.   I've learned first hand that sometimes the most unexpected plans are the best!

Happy New Year!

To be very honest, I have never understood the hoopla that is put on New Year's Eve/Day.  I think the last time I actually saw the New Year ring in was many years ago and that was because I was awaken by an infant wanting to eat.  We are usually in bed, sound asleep as others celebrate.  Real exciting, I know.  I'm fairly certain this year will not disappoint either.  Our plans are somewhere along the lines of renting a few movies, dining at home and probably heading to bed before one or all of us get too crabby.  A simple "Happy New Year" will be shouted from each bedroom multiple times before a welcomed silence will take over.  

Even as I ponder it, I'm really not able to pin point the exact moment that we migrated to old, tired and uninterested...but we're here.  Might as well embrace it.  ;-)

But, for those of you that haven't joined us, I wish you a very safe, fun and Happy New Years eve celebration.

Many Blessings for your New Year, too!!!

A Big Idea

I always have big ideas.  Usually, they never pan out.  That never usually stops me from always coming up with more "great" ideas.  This time is no different.

I found an idea on the web for making Christmas ornaments.  I thought it would be a simple and creative gift for friends.  Creative is correct.  Simple it was not.

It kinda turned into a mess.  A big mess!

I had the grand idea of just working on the kitchen table....with steel letter punches, super glue and spray paint.
Whoops!

My ever patient, helpful husband stepped in at this time and lent his assistance.  :-)
(I think he just didn't want me to destroy what was left of our kitchen and table)

Many hours, mumblings and dirty looks later....

Our 2010 Christmas ornament.

Dear Weatherman,

Traveling is in our near future.

We are leaving late next week to go back to Nebraska for Christmas.  So, I've been watching the weather reports.  Everyday.  Usually a few times per day.  Hoping and praying that we get to have nice weather for our trip.  It can be cold.  I expect the coldness.  Just please, no snow or sleet.

We would have some very disappointed children(young and old) if we didn't get to spend Christmas with our family.  So...
Dear Weatherman, I would appreciate it very much if you could accommodate my wishes.  I will gladly take many feet of snow in January if you could hold off for a few weeks.
Thanks so much, Tammi

Finals, Finally!

It's Finals Week!

Chad and I both have three finals before we get to enjoy a month break from the books.  These last few weeks have seemed to move in slow motion.  More homework than ever really made the long hours so much more enjoyable.

The kids are really getting into the Christmas spirit, but Chad and I are not real with it.  I think it has something to do with the hours of studying that is happening each night.  So to say that Friday can't come soon enough is an understatement.

We're all ready for a school break and some family holiday time.  Only a few more days!

Thankful

There are so many reasons for us to be thankful.  This past year has been one with many ups and downs, but through it all we have had so many blessings.

Here is what I am most thankful for...

God.  ~His grace and love hold me up.

My husband, Chad.  ~You love me in spite of all my mistakes and imperfections.  

My beautiful children.  Cody, Samantha and Chloe.  ~I feel so blessed to be your mom.  

My family.  ~Who stands behind me, regardless.  I feel your love everyday, even from a distance.

Friends.  New and Old. ~You love me even when I'm not so polished and put together.(which is always)

Schreiber Foods.  ~For giving my husband a job that he loves.  

Karate.  ~Cody loves karate.  Jeb, his teacher, was the first reason Cody said that he liked living in Missouri.

Dance.  ~Samantha loves to dance.  Her eyes light up each day she goes to her classes.

Our home.  ~As small and cramped as it is, it is filled with so much love.  

Freedom.  ~I love our country and those that put their lives on the line to defend it.

Mr. Bubbles.  ~My first born, furry child.  Our family first started with you.

And, those not so important, but things I love...

Diet Dr. Pepper

Nap time quietness

Road trips
Dishwashers

Lazy days in our jammies

Diet Dr. Pepper

Facebook

Blogging
Music

My camera

Lists

Diet Dr. Pepper

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We're Losers!

That's right.  Losers.  Chad and I.  

Chad's the biggest loser and I come in a close second.  

(I laugh as I can picture people nodding in agreement.)  

Really.  We are losers.  

Chad lost 6 lbs last week and I lost 5.4. (And, yes the .4 is important!)

It was time.  Time for Chad and I to get a handle on our health.  

It's really no surprise for those that have known me for a long time.  I have a completely inappropriate relationship with food.  I'm not sure at what point in my life that I associated food to feelings, but I did and I do.  Food to me represents love.  But, it also represents sadness, guilt, anger, loneliness and fear. 

If I have any type of emotion, food seems to be a part of it.  

It's an addiction.  I recognize that.  It's my cross to bear.  Everyone has something.  This is my something.  

Our move to Missouri seemed to be the catapult for these feelings and behaviors.  In the past 8 months, I have managed to put on almost 30 pounds.  And, Chad has followed suit.  Not a good combination and a very negative, selfish situation to put our family in.  

Now, I have lost weight before and stated "this" would be the last time.  I would get myself under control and maintain.  And yet, here I am.  It's daunting.  It's exhausting.  It's a very lonely place to be.  Until now. 

Starting this journey with Chad has been different.  A good different.  We hold each other accountable for our choices and  I have a support partner "in house", which is wonderful.

Our method...Weight Watchers.  We have been counting points.  We get a set amount of points for each day and each food has a set number of points associated with it.  It works!  And, it's simple.  I love Weight Watchers.

As for our goals, we are not sure yet.  We have a range in mind, but for now we are just taking it one day(sometimes an hour) at a time.  We'll get to our goals, eventually.  When we do, I'll share that news or perhaps you'll see it. :)

My Favorite Time of the Year

Fall.  The cool, crisp days.  The leaves changing color.  Wrapping up in warm blankets.  Caramel Apples.  Pumpkins.

All of these things make me love Fall.  But, I must admit that there is one thing that makes Fall extra special.  It's gives it just that extra little push over the top.  Okay, maybe it's more like a shove.

CRAFT SHOWS!!!!!  

I spotted my first Craft Show flyer in the paper last week.  I cut that baby out and pasted it to my bulletin board.  And, I found two more ads this week.  I'm beside myself.  Giddy with anticipation.  Worse than a kid at Christmas.

If I have my way, my weekends from here until the new year will be filled with Craft Shows.  Small ones.  Large ones.  It really doesn't matter.  I rarely have a hard time finding a jewel at even the worst of these events.  (A talent that Chad truly cherishes about me.) *sacrasm*

One thing that has not helped my addiction(the first step is admitting, right?) is that Missouri has a dedicated website that lists Arts & Craft Shows for each month.  It's going to be my favorite website for awhile, maybe forever.


Just in case you enjoy them as much as I do, here's the website:  Missouri Arts and Crafts

Happy Fall

&

Happy Craft Fair Shopping!!

Hittin' the Books

Week Four is almost over for our college classes.  I would have to say the excitement has officially wore off.  We are smack dab in the middle of chaos.  We knew that it would be a struggle.  How could it not?  Chad works many hours at his job and then comes home and tries to spend time with the kids and me, but quickly is interrupted by the numerous assignments he has due.  I have more free time than Chad but having to care for the kids, cook, clean, laundry, bills, groceries, run the kids back and forth to their activities, etc, etc, the time seems to go by faster and faster each day. 

Our prime time is about 9 p.m. and it turns into a homework marathon for the both of us.  How much can we get done before our heads slump over?  (I always win that game!)  

My initial goal was to try to complete my homework by Tuesday so I could help Chad by keeping the kids occupied while he studies.  That plan worked for the first two weeks and has slowly become obsolete.  Tomorrow is Thursday and I still have 3 more tests to take and numerous assignments to complete.  Whoops.  

Speaking of assignments....I'm pretty sure this isn't one of them.  :-)