Sometimes Life Throws You a Curve Ball...

Well Hello There!!! If Kathy McCloy can blog while in labor and the day she gets home from the hospital, Crystal McGraw can do it!

Wish I could tell you that I have had a very relaxing summer, worry free and not a care in the world. Well,not so much!!!

As per directions from Mark Nasteff (AKA the BEST lawyer in the world) We can't really discuss the particulars but I have learned soooooo much from this! Sometimes I think God gives you a little shock, maybe you take things for granted, maybe you don't take enough time to enjoy life's little learned lessons.

I had one of the best weeks ever this past week! I felt wonderful after Tuesday and Wednesday evening no matter what the turn out may be! I had a wonderful support system at the PUBLIC trial that so many know it all's forgot to attend (According to the Marshall News Blog several people that just KNOW we are guilty were going to be there!). My family was right there in the front two rows and my TRUE friends that were not testifying were in the crowd both nights and took 10 hours away from their own families to support me.

I took Thursday evening to go out with Kendi and Cherri and Dawn and Michelle joined for a little bit. We had great conversation and a great time.

Friday we went to dinner with Randy, Kathy, Grandma Joy and the kids and
then Wal-Mart and ice cream

Saturday I hung out with the kids all day and that evening had a little happy hour and then Chad and I went to dinner with Robbie, Miranda, Jason and Tracey, we went to Hag's house after to hang out with guys Chad played golf with that day. Just a really nice weekend!

Sunday evening Chad and I ventured out to play couples golf! We had a great time!

I have really taken time to think about things and I am a lucky girl! I love my husband and actually have found a whole new side of him throughout this whole deal, his wonderful sense of humor has helped me through all of this. My friends, they are the best.

My family, I am still getting the "temperature check" calls to see how I am. Truly, I could not be better. I feel wonderful and truly blessed!

So the curve ball I have been thrown has taught me so many things. I have learned how much my true friends love me, I have learned that worrying about things that you "think" might happen is really over rated, I have learned to slow down and take it all in, and most of all I have been reminded how wonderful my family and my life is, because by the way, I knew but life goes day by day and sometimes it is an oversight!

I always try to be positive my task this week is to pray for my enemies. My dear friend William Harlow has had many conversations with me regarding this deal with school and life in general. I am going to work on it praying for my enemies, because actually they are the ones that need the prayers. How miserable they must be!

Until next time, I will love my kids, laugh with my husband, enjoy my friends and thank God for all he has given me! I am a lucky girl!

Surprise!

Wonder how many people even still check my blog! Probably no one! I am sure everyone has given up on me blogging.
I have had LOTS going on since the last blog! Some of you know, actually you all know if you read the Marshall Democrat blogs. Crazy! That is part of the reason I have not blogged, people already think they know everything about me.
Anyway!!!!! Cancun was a blast. I am teaching summer school and I am anxious for it to be over!
I am ready to go swimming, sleep in and hang with the kids.
I have done a lot of thinking in the last month.
I have learned so much!
1. Your family is there for you no matter what!!!!
2.You really find out who your TRUE friends are.
3. God has a plan!
4. People never mind their own business!!!


Until next time, have a great day!!!!

Long Lost Blogger!

I am back! Nothing fun, nothing new, but I am back!!! Work is still stressful, My kids are still awesome, My family is great and my friends are the best, especially right now with the stressful work environment.
Enough about that! Connor is getting burned out on gymnastics. He loves it when he gets there but on the nice days, he would rather go home and play outside. Can't blame him! Nice days are few and far between!
Carlee is 99.9% potty trained! She took it and ran with it! She has even been dry in the mornings. GO CARLEE!!! Who would have thought! When she makes her mind up she does it! That is my little independent Ms.!
Connor had a sleep over with Best Buddy last Saturday night, they were the best kids ever!!!! He and Logan were Kings of the basement, they played and played and got along great!!! We went to the PTO carnival as well as the trash carnival by Patricia's. The kids had the best time and were fast asleep by 8:30!

13.5 days of school left in case anyone wanted to know! ( BTW, I am not counting, someone told me!)

I am old!!!

Friday I had a little "girls" night that was supposed to start with dinner and a few beverages! I usually feel really bad about leaving the kids but I knew that Chad would be fine and he was going to be gone on a little golf trip so I needed a little "me"time. He loved having the kids all to himself!
Well, needless to say dinner led to going out on the town! WOW! I paid for it Saturday! I was so stinkin tired. I had so much fun, I went to Buds FINALLY after living here for 8 years! But, lesson learned! I am old!!!!

I can not believe that May is almost here!!!! I am ready for Summer!

Change for China! Sight For Savannah

As Some of you know, my awesome class has been working on a project since before Christmas. My cousin Savannah is blind, she is going to China for an eye surgery that could ultimately change her life!!!! She may get her sight! The students in my class decided to raise money for her. Health insurance covers none of the expenses and travel alone to China is pricey!

My class has had more energy about this project then I ever dreamed!!!! We raised $400.00 in change. Savannah is coming to Eastwood tomorrow! The kids are going to talk with her and Savannah is going to share with them about being blind. It really is a true lesson for these students since Savannah is the same age as them!!! The kids are busting at the seams with excitement! They can not wait to give her the money. We walked to the bank and changed the money in for bills. We are pumped!!!!

I always get a little weepy about my classes each year around this time, I get attached and don't want to let them go! They are my family away from family! I always love the kids in my class. This year is going to be extra hard because of the kinds of lessons that have gone on in my classroom this year! To think of school you always think a teacher stands and teaches her kids lessons she hopes they retain for a test. Well, I am learning lessons from these students that I will remember for a lifetime! I am learning from these students each and everyday things that a text book can not begin to cover. I know I have some parents of students who read my blog. Thank you for having such wonderful students! They have definitely made a mark on my life!!!

The students are gathering questions they would like to ask Savannah. We are hoping for a little insight on what she likes to do and how she manages to do the things she does, like barrel race, play the piano, go to school and just be a kid! Savannah is just as excited as the kids. Good Morning America has contacted Savannah in hopes of following her to China. Stay tuned and you to may be able to follow in her journey!

STRESS

Not to much to say. Not really in the blogging mood. I am usually a very optimistic person who tries to see the best in everything..... I have had a really stressful week with work and I have let it overtake all of the other aspects of my life. I know that it will all work out and everything will be fine. I will be back to post more in the next few days. Looking at the weather forecast for next week, things are getting better!!

To Do Lists!

I like the feeling of getting things done. I love a to do list, my favorite part is marking the things off! Some how this week I can not seem to get it all done~
1. Call Erica to get Connor a hair cut
2. Mark things for a garage sale that I MUST have. Any body want to help tag things you know, have a few drinks, while tagging some things (Kendi, this has your name all over it! You are the garage sale queen.) No exchanges at this garage sale!
3. Find someone who wants to buy a baby bed and dresser
4. Call the lady at Aquila and rip her head the rest of the way off since Julie ripped it half way off and hung up on her before she could finish the job. How hard is it to change a name for Derek Julien to Chad McGraw, apparently hard, especially when you do not have a head left!
DRUM ROLL PLEASE........
5. Loose 15 pounds before I go to Mexico with skinny biscuit Michelle Porter!
THAT IS THE ONE THAT I CAN NOT SEEM TO MARK OFF!!!!!!!
I have been working out a couple of times a day! Watching what I eat most of the time! It is time to get serious!!!!

As some of you know Connor talks to our friend Derek at random times! He tells him things that most 5 year olds would not think of! I think I know why!!!! Connor's bedroom is in Derek's old dialysis room. Connor is a thinker! I am sure that Derek spent many hours in that room thinking. I think there is some bond there! Sometimes the things he says are a little amazing and kind of Erie! I am just fine with that! If Connor has an angel on his shoulder I am glad it is Derek! I would be honored for him to get his advice from Derek (some of it!) Derek was not much on babies but he did have a soft spot for Connor! I wish he would have gotten to be around Carlee a little more because I am sure she would have pulled on his heart as well. It has almost been a year since Derek has been gone, it is hard to believe, however he is still very much alive in our home! I hope Connor continues to have that ability to keep Derek going! I know there are several families like mine that have a huge hole in their lives and miss him very much!!!

No I am not dead!

I know, I know! I have been MIA! Well... I have been very busy doing not much of anything. I have been busy at work, trying to catch up at home and this weekend Connor has been sick! He has had the flu all weekend! That really stinks!
We are off to a birthday party, not sure if Connor is coming or not!
On a short side note, I have been working out almost everyday! I have been very dedicated to Curves but now I am going to the YMCA as well as walking outside. One of these days I will be skinny!

I did it!

I did it! I bought a new camera Saturday night when I was at WalMart by myself! Yes, by myself, for all of you other moms who are jealous, don't be..... I saw lots of moms that got out of the house alone without rug rats hanging on their legs. I had a job to do, not only am I mom, hairdresser, doctor, counselor, maid, driver, banker, secretary, Santa Clause, I am also the Easter Bunny!!!! I had to play Easter Bunny, that is why I was alone. Usually Chad and I tackle this task together but this year it was a solo effort. Connor got the Bee Movie and colors and a new large pirate coloring book and mega candy. Carlee made out with a new purse, colors and a Dora coloring book.
I thought about looking at the cameras, but as I was looking over all of the options besides the Kodak Easy Share that pooped out on me, I got weak thinking of Easter morning with out a camera so I did it! I bought a Canon (by the way Kathy McCloy, if you read this I love that name!) It is a pretty cool camera, so was my other one that my awesome husband bought me two years ago before it died!
Lots of pictures already!
Yesterday was the last day of Spring Break, the kids and I went grocery shopping and I completed 9,874 loads of laundry, mopped the floors and cooked super. Connor and Carlee got 20.00 in the mail from their third set of grandparents Don and Julie. It has been burning a hole in Connor's pocket, he knew exactly what he wanted to buy, but as soon as we turned into the toy aisle he decided to get an Army set with a helicopter and other junk I mean things that come with it. Carlee picked out a baby that she loves so much! THANK YOU DON AND JULIE! MY KIDS FINALLY HAVE A TOY! They are spoiled Rotten!!!! I am sure all of you that purchased Easter gifts for the kids will be getting a personalized picture thank you in the mail from Connor!
Have a great Tuesday!

LONG WEEKENDS ROCK!!!!

Well, We made it through Princess on Ice! It was a blast! We stayed Thursday night in a hotel and took the kids swimming, we wore them out and they slept great! We got up ate breakfast and went to see Princess on Ice!!! There were lots of boys at the show. Pirates, mickey mouse, goofy and crabs from (under the sea) and lava all made Connor's day! Candice said, "Connor should be in heaven with all of these girls!"
Funny Commentary from the kids:
1. My dad carried our bags in and as soon as we opened the door to the hotel room Connor asked Zoe if she wanted to lay on top of him on the bed! ( NO!!! Double No! That is your cousin)
2. Connor told me on the way that I was the craziest driver he ever saw....
3. Connor kept telling me "Mom, I am so sad that daddy is missing out on this great time!"
4. He wanted to sleep in a bed by himself and he put gummy worms on the pillow next to him and said if he woke up in the night he would eat them because he is on vacation and when you are on vacation you eat what you want.
5. He told me Friday morning that he had a confession to make, that he doesn't sleep at night!(how does he know what a confession is, who was snoring! I heard him snoring!!!!)
6. Carlee was pointing out people's shirt colors in the bathroom at the Sprint Center during intermission. We were waiting in line and she went through the line, pink, blue, green and then..... we see a rather large and I mean large lady that had on a red shirt. Carlee said "big, red, shirt, look mom, big, red, shirt" Ok!! I see it! Why did she only say every other persons shirt color once but the big fat lady she had to mention twice!!!!!! I wanted to crawl under a stall and stay there!
Thank God Big Red did not hear us! These kids are funny!!!! Zoe kept telling us that she did not like the hotel and she wanted to go home, but she ended up doing just fine and they all got along great!!!
I went to bed early last night! I was beat!!!!
Today we colored Easter Eggs and Kendi's. She is super mom, she had all the cups in a cake pan and foil place mats! AND.... the kids brought their eggs home! Great! I thought it was art that you made there and kept there! She had her camera out snapping away!

Speaking of cameras. I would have had some great pictures from Friday BUT....The POS quit on me! My camera is officially dead! I am thinking of buying another one, because it is a need!!! Some day when they are all grown up, pictures from when they were little is all I will have! So to me that constitutes a need! I know sometimes I am not good distinguishing between needs and wants.... Is a camera a need?

I worked out this morning and then we went to Dairy Queen this afternoon thanks to Logan and Regan introducing an Artic Blast.... I was reintroduced to a vanilla shake! Go figure!

We are headed to Sedalia to eat at Colton's tonight for our anniversary 77 years, wait I mean 7 years! I know that I joke about him lots but I really do love him and I am very lucky to have such a wonderful, sarcastic husband!

Princess on Ice

I have been a slacker lately! I have not really had time to sit down and blog, besides that! When it all comes out in writing, I am an extremely boring person.....
I do have some exciting news, Thursday night the kids and I along with Mom, Candice and Zoe are taking a road trip to Kansas City. We are going to spend the night, let the kids swim at the hotel and go to Princess on Ice Friday morning. It will be very fun! I was a little hesitant about Connor going, since it has to do with a Princess, BUT, where there is a princess there is a prince. He said he wants to go and he thinks boys will be there so... we are going! My dad stays in Kansas City through the week so he is excited to have company Thursday night.

This past weekend we went to the movies to see Horton Hears a Whoo. I think Chad and I laughed more than the kids but they enjoyed it too!

I got my taxes completed, We got our passports and paid for our vacation, I love the feeling of completing tasks! I am going to be better at blogging

How Cute Are They!!!!

Here are my 2 best friends in the whole world!!!! They accept me for me, even when I make mistakes! They give the best hugs and the best advice! I am so lucky to be their mother!!!!
Carlee does not look like the everyday Carlee in this picture with her fly away hair up on top of head! Connor has that rotten little smile... But... they are perfect!
I am going to be hanging out at Eastwood today and tomorrow for parent teacher conferences! I always enjoy them!
Chad is going to play golf tonight, we were eating dinner last night and I told him he should go play today! It is going to be so warm. He acted like he wasn't sure if he wanted to because he is on dad duty 100% today and tomorrow. I guess he got to thinking about it and.... it wasn't long he was down in the basement dusting off the clubs and getting his golf bag ready! Chad asked Connor if he was alright if Kathy picked them up and went to gymnastics with them or if he wanted him to, he said "surrrre! she can pick me up!"
I am so pumped about the warm weather! I am not so pumped about snow showers this weekend.... (that is what I heard in the teachers lounge, Brian Busby did not tell me that! Hopefully it is a rumor!!!!!"

Have a great warm day!

Kind of boring!

Not really too much to say... very busy getting ready for Parent Teacher Conferences. I really do enjoy PT conferences! They are long days but they go by quickly. Spring Conferences are my favorite. The weather USUALLY starts getting nice, we get Friday off, and not long after that.... school's out for SUMMER!!!! After the dreaded MAP test of course. Enough about school.

I kind of felt junky this weekend. I took lots of medication to keep me from getting sick! I know I probably picked some sort of junk up from the hospital when Carlee and I had our slumber party there.

Here is a run down of our super exciting weekend....

Friday night, Connor was on MAJOR lock down from getting in trouble at Ms. Linda's HUGE trouble... we will just say I saw a side of Chad that I have never seen before! He raised his voice LOUD and his face was bright red during our "family meeting" I know he had to scare the crap out of Connor, it scared me! I won't go into detail on here about his little ordeal~ besides Carlee kept repeating her self saying "Nonnor in tuble, me not nonnor me daddee" which means "Connor is in trouble, I am not! I am Carlee, not Connor!" She was just tickled that it wasn't her for once!

Saturday, I hung out with the kiddos watching tv, Carlee was sleepy, Connor was licking his wounds walking around lightly! Chad worked.

Saturday evening went to eat at the club

Sunday spent too much money at Wal-Mart, got ALL of my laundry done, helped Eva my friend from Curves move boxes from her basement to her garage. She is moving to Oregon at he end of the month and her husbands health is bad so my mom and I took care of that job for her.

Chad grilled Chicken on the grill, I made angel food cake and cut up strawberries, the kids stayed up way too late! They were definitely SPRINGING forward still at 10!!!!

Went out danced on the bar, got home at 4 am and woke up at 8 am with out a hangover (JUST KIDDING! I JUST SOUND SO BORING!

ZOE

This is Zoe! She is my niece. She is 4 months older than Carlee. These girls are going to have the best time growing up together!!! They are getting to the age where they are going to figure out that they can spend the night together and be best friends. I HOPE!!! Carlee is lucky to have a big brother who she plays with, but.... she is not going to have that sister that she can tell all of her boy troubles or her jokes or share clothes with.
I love my sister, she is my very best friend! We have an unspoken bond that only sisters can have. Don't get me wrong, I love my brother, he just doesn't care to hear all of the girl rambling or the diet dilemmas! There is just something about sisters!
Zoe is the closest thing Carlee is going to have. I am looking forward to the two of them doing lots of stuff together. Maybe even be college roommates some day! That could be bad!!!
As for Connor, boys will be boys! He loves the girls and actually plays very well with them. I am sure there will be a time that he does not want to listen to the girl stuff!!!!

I did something I said I was never going to do again....

Well.... Some of you know the HORRIBLE expierience that we had back in October when Connor was in the hospital. I decided then that we would go to Columbia if we ever had to spend some time in the hospital again!! WELL!!! that awful time came yesterday! Carlee was a super sick little girl. We went to see Dr. Ulbrich and he said she needed to be admitted overnight for fluids! I said NO! I can't do this again, I HATE that doctor there! Well, he assured me that it would be different. I said I would go only on these conditions, Angela Gaba do the IV, Dr. Siegal not have 1 thing to do with Carlee, and if I have questions I will be able to call Dr. Ulbrich.
Well, Dr. Sherri Thompson was the hospitalist, he assured me she is awesome and he would take his own kids there to her for fluids. He contacted the hospital and talked to them about what needed to happen and it did. She is home now, still sick but getting better!
She was so tough! She did not cry during the IV, she wanted her daddy and Connor after they left to go home to sleep. We are both exhausted today but we are home!!!!
The hospital was a whole different experience! I hate it that we had to go, but I learned that Dr. Siegal got fired and there really are people who care about you there!!! I am glad that this time was different!
She will have to sit out of gymnastics today! That is very sad but next week we will be back to normal if there is such a thing!
Thanks to everyone who called and checked on us! We are home today if anyone wants to talk to little Ms. Thing!

OH YEAH!

Connor starts Junior Jumpers today at the YMCA, not to be confused with Gymnastics. You know, Chad is cool with him jumping around and playing with other kids but absolutely not ok with Gymnastics! I will let you know how it goes. Ms. Thing starts gymnastics tomorrow night. Please pray that she is nice to the other kids!

YEAH FOR NICE WEATHER!!!!

Sunday Afternoon:
It has been a wonderful weekend. First of all, I cleaned my whole house Saturday, mopping included! It was such a great feeling!!! We spent the majority of the afternoon outside of Saturday and ALL morning and afternoon outside today. Chad and I worked in the garage separating garage sale, stuff to keep and trash. I am planning on a big garage sale in the Spring! My theory is... it has been in the garage since we moved. We have not looked for it so we probably do not need it.
Off the subject a little bit, my mom and dad are vacationing in Puerto Rico, she called today to check on us and they had been walking the beach, drinking rum and having a great time! How nice!!!
Monday:
I had to stop in the middle of this post and am just now returning to it. I am not as bright and cheery as I was yesterday!! I want that warm weather back. We packed as much into those nice hours as we could, BBQ, swing set, walks, spring cleaning and big fat naps (the kids that is!)
I will post more pictures of the outdoors soon! Dawn has borrowed my camera cord obviously without the intent to return... just kidding, when I get it back I will post my pictures.
Have a great day!

Random Questions That Run Through My Head Daily...

I have been having trouble lately making my brain slow down, I have thoughts running through my head all the time.... USUALLY these thoughts happen at night when I am trying to fall asleep. Weird thoughts sometimes, questions that I really do not have an answer for.
Here is a glimpse at a few:
1. Why is it when Chad is cleaning the kitchen he thinks it is clean when he moves the dishes from the table to the counter by the sink. (BUT... that is minor, we are healthy and happy at our house)
2. Why when people call and ask me what I am doing I say "nothing" but actually I am doing 25 things. (Because, I LOVE people and adult interaction)
3. Why does the mail man return mail to me if he knows exactly where it is going but the address if off one number, HELLO! HOW MANY JOY MASON'S ARE THERE IN MARSHALL!!! ESPECIALLY ON THE OAKS!!!
3. Why can I not stop worrying about people, I have come to realize that this is never going to happen?
4. Why can my sister in law not find an awesome husband so that I can have nieces and nephews and so I do not have to be a 50 year old bridesmaid.
5. Why do I not save money well?
6. Why can I not get all of my grading, and paperwork and ect. finished during the day? I have an awesome student teacher! I should be getting lots done.
7. Why does Carlee do EVERYTHING Connor does, like for instance, last night after their baths Connor had on sleep pants and opted to not wear a shirt (he has been doing that! he is getting way too big) Well.... a few minutes later Carlee somehow got her shirt off and decided she did not want to wear a shirt like nonnor. WHY???? So is she going to wear swimming trunks to the pool this summer????
8. Why does Connor ask me questions that I have no clue the answer? Like, where does the Easter Bunny live? How long does a turtle live without it's shell? How long does a shark live? What if a shark sees a fish that is his friend, he won' t eat him will he?
I am sure there are many more, I am just too tired to think of them!
It is Friday, LEAP Day! Have a great weekend... I will be doing laundry and cleaning my house. We will be outside tomorrow, it is going to be 63. If anyone wants to come over for a BBQ tomorrow night, let me know we are itching to do Spring activities. This is an open invitation! I LOVE people you know....

To Go to Mexico or not to go to Mexico??

So..... Chad and I have been throwing around the idea of going to Mexico with the Plummer's. We have not been on a vacation, vacation since Connor was 2 months old! We went to the Bahamas. It was a great time BUT.... I missed Connor so much!!!

Now, Connor is 5 and he told us to go for lots of days, he wants to stay with his grandparents and eat chocolate all day, jump on the bed, go to Wal-Mart everyday and buy toys and you catch my drift..... Carlee LOVES going places. I know they will be fine. My question is, will I enjoy myself enough to go or will I miss them the whole time??? The great thing about it is the trip is planned right when school gets out. Kind of a reward I guess, and then I get to be home with the kids and enjoy them all summer. What should we do??? Chad is all for it! He is ready to go!

Randoms...

So... "Ms. Thing" as we call her at our house is going to start gymnastics on Tuesday. She is the cutest little girl ever! She is funny, spunky, creative, tough and she is NOT Graceful!!! Funny... We always tell her the only grace she has is in her name Carlee Grace! We shall see how this goes. I really hope that I do not have to call Chad at work and tell him that she has broken her arm or leg trying to keep up with everyone else. She is always worried about looking around and watching everyone else rather than the task at hand which is usually just simply walking!!!!
Connor has decided he would like to also do gymnastics, Chad says he doesn't care, but he has mentioned that boys don't do that! That rule does not apply yet, he just turned 5!

On a side note, I have been going to weight watchers for over a year and I am not a life time member yet!!! I am determined to get there before summer!!! What the heck... it should not be this difficult! For those of you who think that have you ever been in a teachers lounge? I am celebrating the small successes I weighed in tonight and lost 1.4! That is after a girl scout cookie or 3.....
My sister Candice (DRILL SARGE!) has been calling, texting and emailing me to keep me on track, man she is good, she is keeping me focused.
Until tomorrow, have a great evening! I need to go check on my kids, they are way too quiet!

This is the first.....

So... Call me what you want, follower, copy cat, cheater what ever you wish But.... Drum Roll Please.... I am official blogger! I am going to try my best to keep up with this. I mean geez, my friends, my hair dresser which is also a friend, my friends friends, my niece, everyone blogs! I thought I would start for a few reasons:
1: I wanted to do this before Connor comes home from kindergarten next year telling Chad and I he has a blog spot.
2: My life is anything but boring! Ask anyone who takes their life in their own hands and comes over to our house. Yeah, I'll admit it is a circus and it is better than any comedy show you could buy tickets for. Here is a sneak peak to one of our shows:
Setting the scene: Connor is scratching his butt, being the anything but normal parents we are we laugh and Chad proceeds...
Chad: "Hey Connor, what are you doing?"
Connor: "Itching my butt, there is a flea on my butt biting me trying to get nutrition"
Chad: "What?"
Connor: "It's true, fleas bite people so they can get nutrition"
What! Who knows a five year old that says things like that! I do, his name is Connor McGraw!
Stay tuned for more....