Its a sad day here on Gordon drive.  Our sweet sweet neighbor Bob passed away.  He was a such a nice man, very kind hearted.  He sure will be missed come this Spring when the weather gets nice out.

Tanner and us have been very busy lately.  its seems like we have something going on every night.  Tonight Tanner and Rick went to the Pack meeting for boy scouts!  I ran and got paper for the B board I need to redo at school on Monday night.

Sunday we had Tanners party.  We went to Happy Joes for pizza.  We had so much left over!  We ate pizza for 4 days!  Kim, Eddie, Mom, Dad, Jeannette and Al were there.  Tanner stood up and had the horn and everything blown!  We then came back here for cake and present opening! 

Monday night he had his first play at the Belle Tower.  He played turkey lurkey. He knew all his lines.  He was one of the only ones who did!  He was great. 

On Tuesday he opened his birthday presents and he was so excited he didn't want to go to gymnastics!  He wanted to stay home and play with his toys.   He did go and handed out his treat.  He also handed out a snack at school.  He handed out rice krispie treats, and a pencil.  Mrs Block even let him go down and visit Mrs Weber.  He took her a treat also!  He has really been liking the Lite Brite we gave him!  I am glad as he never said he wanted that.  I just bought it thinking he would like it.

I will get some pics posted this weekend!

Friday we have nothing going on!  I have to get all the stuff cut for the BB, tho by Monday.. and he has Adelei's party on Sunday, and I think, Bob's wake!

RIP Bob!

Tanner was so proud.  He did 4 streets.   He got so much candy, he got a nice treat bag from the neighbors across the street.  He also got a soda from Carsens house!  We really didn't have that many trick or treaters.  So we have a ton of leftover candy.

We had a busy week.. Monday Tanner had class at Belle Tower and then we went to see Grandma Di for her birthday.  On Tuesday he had gymnastics.  Wednesday i hurt my back on the way to work.  I am not sure what I did but by the time I got to work i was in pain.  Tanner had CCD that night and Rick picked up a heating pad.  I laid on that for the rest of the night and on Thursday at work. 

Today I went to school and put up the Pack the Pantry Board.  I got alot of compliments on the board I was taking down and Nan the Principal was very sad to have me take it down.  She wanted to know if i could put it back up after the food drive.  It was a good board, but I would like to do another one.  Lots of people were like oh you are putting up a new one.. and I told them it wasn't a fun one..  So man I better come up with a good one!  What pressure!

Pics

Well the last we left I thought Tanner was fine.. well he threw up Sunday night.  So I called dad to come over on Monday.  I think he ate to much to soon.  He definitely had some type of bug.  I slept on the couch with him, and didn't get much sleep because every time he moved I would wake up to make sure he wasn't sick. On Monday he was felling better.  I left work at 1230.  He kept wanting to go out and play.  So I knew he was fine by then.  24 hour bug.  BUT then I started to get sick around 3.  THEN Rick got sick around 9.  It was not a good 24 hours in our house.  It was awful.  I went to work for half day and then came home and slept, and then picked up Tanner from daycare.  I took him to Gymnastics, by that time I was feeling normal again, but afraid to eat.

Wednesday night Tanner stayed at Grandma/Grandpa Cordes house and then spent the day with them on Thursday.  They took him to the museum and to McDonald's to eat.

Thursday was conference night and Tanner had a great conference.  She said he was one of the best behaved kids in the class.  He also did well on his testing.  Mostly average on stuff, but a few scores were all the way at the levels for the end of the year.  We got some math flash cards for him and are going to be working on some of his writing.  She said he also needs to write a little quicker as he takes his time as he is trying to be perfect.  Also she said he likes stuff cleaned up and organized on his desk area.  I wonder where he gets that! We then went and got groceries.

Friday he had a party at Young uns.  We took the juice for the party.  He wore his Ninja suit.  After dinner we carved pumpkins.  I will post a pic hopefully on Sunday..  We only did 1. We still need to do the other one.

Saturday we went to Borders for the Spooktacular Party.  They listened to stories, made a puppet, trick or treated and played some games.  Again.. pics on Sunday. It was so nice out so Rick and I cleaned up the backyard and deck preparing for the cold weather.  Tanner stayed inside and played with his new Fuzzoodles.  He was busy with them for at least 2 hours!  We are now having movie night and watching Shrek!

Thursday night was Cub Scouts... wow was it a long night.  We got there at 630 and didn't get home till after 830.  They had to put us in "dens" and they didn't have a leader for one of them.  But Tony, Jacks Dad volunteered.  Not sure if he knows what he is getting himself into.  But he was excited to do it.  And at this level I hear that it is alot of field trips.  At the Pack meeting Tanner behaved very well and got to hear a lady from the Humane Society talk and also a guy who did a sing along.  He said he had fun. 

On Friday when I picked him up from Young uns, he asked me why I didn't come to the walk a thon.  He said he thought I was coming and when Mrs Block said to stand up if your mom was coming he did.  I felt horrible.  I never told him I was coming he asked and I told him that I could only do 1.. either the walk a thon or the Field trip.  We played outside after we got home.  He then decided to make a scene with his pirates.  it took him all night and actually didn't finish it till Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday Rick and Tanner played outside for a little bit.  and like I said Tanner finished his scene.  We then went to the mall and did the Hills and dales Trick or treat.  I know the money goes to a good cause but he didn't get much candy the line was awful and it was HOT!  I don't think that it will be something we will do next year.  We came home and he played a bit and I fell asleep at 1030.  But was rudely awakened at 130 in the AM when Tanner threw up on his stuffed animal, on his jammies and pillows.  We got him all cleaned up (bath) and had him lay on the loveseat and Rick stayed out there with him.  He then proceeded to throw up every hour until 630.  We sleep till around 930 and he got up and seemed fine.  He was talking and jumping around.  He ate some breakfast but then threw it up all over the bathroom...the floor, the wall the baseboards, under the baseboards.. it was awful and I only had 1 glove to clean with.  Rick was getting ready to leave for golf.  Tanner had some crackers and some sprite and was able to keep that down. 

I decided to risk it and we went down to The William M Black to trick or treat.  He was fine.  I am not sure what is wrong or what was wrong.  But he is eating some toast and crackers... lets hope he keeps it down.  We have Grandpa on stand by in case he isn't.

We have alot to do next week....
Monday--class--maybe the parade
Tuesday...Gymnastics
Wed--staying at Grandma Js
Thur--Grandma js and conferences--groceries
Friday--Party at Young uns
Sat--Borders Spooktacular event
Sun Trick of treat!

Tanner got his School Pics back today.  The blue background makes his hair look really red!  We have Cub Scouts tonight.. 630-8.  Then I hope to watch Big Bang Theory when I get home!

Missed a couple days.. but that’s ok…


Monday was a going to be a busy day. We were supposed to have class at Belle Tower but it was canceled as Sue was sick. So we had a bit of a down time and Tanner got to play outside. I also collected the rest of his cookie dough money and he was ready to turn that in on Tuesday. I then went to the PTO meeting and took all of my decorations. They loved them all.. which I was thankful for as I wasn’t so sure about those pumpkins.. and now that I think about it.. I don’t even think I took a picture of them. But I am now the “creative and crafty” person on the PTO.

Tuesday was field trip day. I was off for the day and Rick forgot to set his alarm and woke up at 640.  Good thing he doesn't punch a clock and its OK for Tanner to be late.  I didnt sleep well either because I kept dreaming that I got there to late and they had already left.  I also was riding with another parent as they had to many people volunteer to drive and since there was limited parking we had to car pool.  I went with a nice gal whos husband is going to be the cub scout leader.  Her sons name is Zach. 

Tanner had fun at the apple orchard.  they collect leaves, did some math activities heard some apple and fall stories and also got to taste about 5 different types of apples.  He really like the one called Arkansas Black.  He wants me to stop and get some as Blue Belle Orchard is right by Medline.  They are not expensive at all.. and there stand is always open and goes by the honor system.  I didn't think anyone did that anymore. 

After we got back from the Orchard I ran to the Grocery store and also got Hyvee Chinese!  Then was going to do some work around the house but yep I fell asleep.  I got up just in time to pick Tanner up at daycare!

I cant post any pics right now as blooger is down.. so I will put some pics up for the field trip.

Got all the PTA decorations today, despite having an awful headache.  Tanner played inside most of the day.  At around 3 he wanted to go out and ride his bike, and then play in the backyard.  He went over to Emily's for a little bit but they were going to go out to eat.  I am glad to be done with everything as now I only need to take it to the meeting on Monday and I am good.  I have off on Tuesday so now I don't have to do any of it then.

I also need to put up the rest of the Halloween decorations.

Jenny Weber (Caresen's mom) called and  wanted to let me know that 2 kids in Tanners class have lice, but the school doesnt let people let anyone know.  Jenny heard it thru the grapvine.  So I checked Tanner over and he looks fine, but really why would they let anyone know, they dont have to give names.

I ran to Michaels today so I could pick up a few things I needed to start making the table decortions I said  I would make for the PTA.  I had almost all the paper I needed jst a few sheets of brown and some containers for the lollys.  I only spent 10.00 :) I got the containers at the dollar stoe so I was good to go.

I made the lolly pots..... but still need to make the pumpkins Tanner wanted to go outside so I had to wait to do those.  I am also making little treat containers filled with tootise rolls.  Tanner is over at Emilys house playing right now... he jsut came back to get a kids bop disc and I jsut heard him say don't worry there are no inapporpriate songs on it.. 2 things.. where did he here that.... and i doubt he really knows that means.

I slept better last night.  Rita stopped over at our house while we were outside and told us about Bob.  He has an incurable lung disease.  She didn't say what it was.  She told us that they did indeed call hospice but they have no time table.  He is on oxygen all the time tho.  She was in good spirits and was headed out with her granddaughters who were visiting.

Tanner played outside for a bit last night and rode his bike, but had to go in as it was bath night.  He was ticked as always, as it seems he never wants to go inside.  But it was almost dark anyway. 

Today when we got home from work/school Tanner ate his Happy Meal and Rick brought home Jacks Chicken.  I went to change my clothes after work and Tanner asked me why I was all cutie, I had dress clothes on for work.  What I should have said is that I am tired of paying 1.00 at work to wear jeans and rarely do it anymore.  Its expensive to work at Medline. 

Yesterday we found out that they called hospice in for our neighbor Bob.  He has been battling something for about a year.  We never have found out what it was but he has been sick and not feeling well since last fall.  He has now been on oxygen for a month and Pam told me that he said to her is that he just wants it to be done.  L very sad, he is such a nice and good man!  He is about 87 or 88.  Poor Rita (his wife) I feel bad for her. 

 I watched a lot of the miners being rescued yesterday.  It was actually very fascinating.    I am not sure why but when I got home from work I watched it till they all got out!    I feel that now tho they will induated with calls and offers for books ad TV, movie things.  I hope that people leave them alone to live their lives.  Who would want that kind of attention!  Ackk!

 Yesterday when we got home I told Tanner that if the girls came over he was to tell them that he had homework to finish before he could go outside.  And sure enough the showed up and he said oh.. I need to finish something and will be out in a second.  So they assumed ( and rightfully so) that he was coming right out.. so they sat on the porch and waited for him to finish his math worksheet.  I made him do half of it before he went out.  He had Religious Education last night and therefore I knew he would not have a lot of time to do homework. 

 I didn’t sleep well last night.. I actually kept dreaming about Bob and Rita and slept bad!  I am tired today.  Thankfully we have nothing going on tonight.  And its almost Friday!

Today Renee Dowe brought us a yummy treat, to thank us for giving her the couch.  Her husband is a chef at their restaurant in Galena.  I hear that he has made this same dessert for the Queen of England ( he is originally from there.. love his accent) I cant wait to taste it after dinner.  Not sure that Jacks Pizza is a proper dinner before such a fancy treat!

Yesterday Tanner had his class at Belle Tower.  I  always get to watch the last 8-5 minutes of class.  This time  saw them "go on a bear hunt"  and act out being an Alligator and a Gorilla.  He was pretty funny.

Rick had some Fantasy baseball/football thing last night so he left at around 7 and Tanner and I played a math game and read 2 books.  But we both fell asleep around 9ish!  I know I was tired.  I have no clue what time Rick even got home, as Tanner and I were sleeping in our bed.

Tonight he has gymnastics, and I am going to run and pick up some more elastic to see if I can make the Cammo pants for him.



 .  I made some Pajama pants today for Tanner.  First time that I have sewed anything other then a pillow since I was about 14.  Tanner has been waiting and waiting for me to make those pants. He has another fabric picked out also.. some Camo that he wants next.  I didn't make the shirt just the bottoms.  He likes to wear just t-shirts to bed anyway. I may attempt a shirt sometime.  Maybe when I get a little bit better. The elastic took a bit as I really had to think and figure it out, and to thread it thru the 'casing" was tough! It was fun.. and I was proud of myself!

Ok so Tanner just came over to me and said that Allison freaks him out.  Allison is our 4 year old neighbor girl.  Pam (her mom) always says that Allison loves Tanner.  I asked him why.. and he said because sometimes Alison calls me her boyfriend.. and I don't love her!  LOLOLOL that is so funny.  I couldn't stop laughing and he then says... Oh mom I like it when you laugh like that.. like uncontrollable!  Really where does the boy get this stuff.

He and Rick did some raking today.. and Tanner had fun in the leeaves, but he took hs shirt off and was jumping in the leaves and now has all kinds of red bumps and scrapes on his back.  Not sure if it is because of an alllergey or jsut scratched up his skin.

Just Testing

Hmm I saw this on my settings where you can email your post in, So I am trying it out to see how it works and if I can edit it later and add pics.

Well lookie lookie I can.  Perhaps this will be easier for me then.

7 mos.. that's a bit of a break. I look at the Blog link on my computer everyday, feel guilty that i don't use it. I am not sure why but I do. I can use the excuse that we have been busy. But since I am on the computer everyday that seems lame. So I will go with LAZY! That and I don't think I like to write. Tanner has been a busy boy. He loves to take classes and play sports. He isn't the best at sports but he likes to go and play. This summer it was T-ball and Soccer.

This fall will be a busy one as Tanner is taking a class at Belle Tower, Gymnastics, CCD and now wants to do Cub Scouts. Cub Scouts starts in 2 weeks, and its only 2 a month. So his class at Belle tower will almost be over. I think he will like Cub Scouts.

We just got done decorating the outside of the house for Halloween and I spent an hour looking for the "hood" from his old Buzz Lightyear costume. I sold it to someone at work.. and I know the dam thing is hear somewhere but I can find it.

I will once again be helping Tanners Kindergarten teacher Molly Weber with her scrapbooks that she gives the kids at the end of the year. We have become friends and I enjoyed helping.

Tanner does have a Field trip to the Apple orchard coming up and also his School Walk a Thon. I am attending the field trip with him, but not the Walk a Thon. He will have a busy week that week!

I wont even begin to promise that I will do better, but I will try.

some pics from WDW. March 12 we went to Epcot and it was raining. Good thing we didnt get there till around 4. We went to Club Cool and tried some Different types of Coke, and then went to the Journey into Imagination building. We ate at the Rose and crown Pub. Our waitress was Harriet. She was very friendly even tho she screwed up our bill. We watched the Illuminations as the rain had finally cleared up. We then got to ride Soarin, and went to Turtle Talk with Crush and looked thru bthe whole Living Seas building. Tanner got to ask Crush a question... He asked him what kind of Fish he like to eat. It was pretty funny as he didnt know waht to say, then ended up saying Fish are freinds not food. Then asked Tanner what his favorite food was.. and Tanner said Fish sticks! Crush then called for security! We left and got to the hotel around 11.

On March 13 we went to Epcot agian. We rode Test Track right away. it was pretty fun! We also checked out the other parts of Future world. We rode on Spaceship Earth. We chose not to ride Mission Space as we heard it was am intense ride! Tanner also got his pic taken with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Pluto and Goofy! We then walked around the countries and Tanner bought a passport and got it stamped and signed at each station in each country. He also did some shopping. He wanted to buy something in every counrty. Mom and I did the Pick a peral in Japan. She got twin pearls in her clam! Mine was a 7 1/4. We had them set in settings there as well. We then ate at Le Celliar in Canada! The food was EXCELLENT! I would eat there again for sure. Creme Burlee was awesome and so was the Beer Cheese soup!

On March 14 we went to Hollywood Studios. Tanner got his pic taken with a green army man, Buzz, Woody, Lighting and Mater! We also rode Toy Story twice. Rick and I rode on Rockin Roller Coaster, while Grandma and Papa took Tanner to Playhouse Disney. We watched the parade, and the Lights Motor Action Stunt Show. Tanner really liked that one. We went to the Muppets 3-D and for lunch ate at Pizza Planet. For dinner we went to 50s Prime time Cafe. We had the best waiter.. Cousin Cooper. He played his part well! He got mad at Rick for not saying please, Mom and Dad for elbows on the table, and really gave mom guff when she didnt eat her corn. I did hear it for not eating the green beans aslo! He was funny!

On March 15 we went to the Magic Kingdom. We ate at Chef Mickeys for Breakfast and the celebrated Dads Birthday. They swung napkins around and had fun singing. Tanner just giggled and giggled. Tanner really liked Big Thunder Mountain. He also got to ride Splash Mountain. We did get "stuck" on it... and sat in a couple different parts for a bit. We rode on the Jungle Cruise and Tanner, Papa and Rick rode on the Carpets of Alladin. Then we went to Fantasyland.. where it was a ZOO! we waited in line for 45 min to ride Dumbo! We dodged out of there and went to Tommorrowland. We rode SpaceRanger Spin, Laugh Floor the TTA and the Grand Prix Cars. My car didnt want to go very fast and Dad was trying to bump me! We ate at Tonys Town Square for dinner. It was OK. Not bad..but not awesome either. Mom and Dad thenleft to the resort. We stayed and waited for the fireworks and the night time parade. Tanner watched the parade but fell asleep right before they started. They were really cool. He woke up and watched a bit.

On March 16 we hung out at the hotel in the AM. Jeannette and Al came and visited for awhile. Tanner showed them all the cool things at the resort. We had a snack at the food court as well. We then went to Downtown Disney and Disney Qwest. Tanner did some major shopping, had a meltdown in the toy store. He spent most of his monies at the Lego store! It was pretty big! We ate at Wolfgang Pucks Express.. SUPER awesome counter service! Grandma and Papa took Tanner back to resort and we did a bit more shopping! Went to Goofys Candy Store! It was smaller then I thought it would be.

On March 17 we went to Animal Kingdom. We had a Character breakfast at Tusker House. We then went on the Safari ride.. it was so bumpy! We did get to see alot of animals and some at pretty close range. Its hard to take pics tho becuase of the bumpiness. and walked thru alot of the exhibts. Saw the tigers and Gorillas. Tanner got his pic with jimmy Cricket, and Rafiki. We got to see an owl up close as well. It looked like the Owl from Harry Potter. Tanner loved the Boneyard.. a big playground and dig site. We then went on the "flying" Dinosaurs. When we were done we wnt back to the resort and hung out for awhile. We then went to Planet Hollywood for dinner.

It was not fun trying to pack the luggage. I had to take the legos out of their boxes and repack in Ziplock bags! They didnt weigh over 50 tho!

On March 18.... the last day... we went back to the Magic Kingdom and did some favorites, Big Thunder Mountain. Tanner got to do Space Ranger Spin and Laugh Floor again while we went on Space Mountain. Rick and I went on Its a small world and Haunted Mansion while Tanner and Papa rode the Merry go round. We headed back to the resort and had some lunch there. We then waited for the bus to take us to the airport! First plane ride was fine.. the second one.. not so much. We had to walk a ways to get to the next gate.. and then we sat on the plane for about 45 -60 min while waiting for people and then had to wait our turn to take off. We finally got to Moline at 1130. Got our luggage loaded up by a super nice lady. Then on the way home.. 2 deer ran out in front of our van! Thankfully I wasnt going very fast and was ab le to swerve and miss him by about an inch. The other deer stop and at leasted waited till we passed to go across! That was fun! But Tanner didnt even wake up!

It was a great trip and we had so much fun. Tanner became a big fan off Stitch.. he says because Stitch is wild like him. Now he wants all kinds of Stitch things! We had 126 pics on our Photo pass and we took about 700 pics. It should be fun to scrapbook!

Finally.. so sorry it took so long.. but it seems like I havent been able to get anything done. The basket is about half way thru this clip.

I did get my haircut finally after about 8 months of not cutting it. We also got our new carpet in. it looks awesome. Cant wait to do the bedroom next.

Right now we are at 9 days till vacation. and I am trying to get as much done now so I dont have it all floating around in my head.

This week sometime I will convert the video of Tanners first basket and post it up. Now that we are home from the Dells I hope to be able to sleep better. I wont have 2 vacations to be thinking about.. just the big one! This week I have to get the suprise for check in all set up.

We had a great time this weekend. There was only few tears. Tanner went on one of the big raft rides with Rick and I. It was fun. The kids were loud and crazy, but they had so much fun being togather. So did the parents. The condo was awesome. It had a loft bedroom and that is where we put all the kids. The was a nice hot tub and 2 bedrooms downstairs. Tanner was up till past 10 onn friday night and then the kids were up at 615 on Saturday. He was so tired that by the time we got to the 3rd waterpark, he climbed up on my lap and slept for an hour. I was a bit tired to and rested for a bit. He also slept all the way home.

Well we really have not been doing anything different. Same week after week right now, Gymnastics Tuesday and Basketball on Wednesday. School did get cancled 2 more days so we are now into the June 8th as the last day of school.

A couple weekends ago we made a big paper robot! He has named him Roobie... and he is in his room.

We akso went to a hockey game with Young Uns. The Aitchisons and the Clancys went too. So did Grandma and Papa'

Last weekend Tanner and I spent last weekend making his Valentines day box. Last night we made out his Valentines and he kept saying he was so tired of writing his name. It was only 22 times. LOL. He had Star Wars Valentines. He was so thoughtful on how he decided who got what one. We then took a copy of his class picture and cut the pics out and glued those on to the "to" area. That way he could hand them out easier.

In art class today Tanner made a Valentine for Addison.. see picture.

Tonight we went to Red Robin and had dinner with Grandma and Papa. Tanner again one a stuffed animal in the crane game. Grandma and Papa gave hima t-shirt, hat, and puck from the new hockey team for Valentines Day.

We then came home and he dug into some of the treats he got at school.. and the basiclly passed out on the floor, see picture! A few days ago he fell asleep while eating pizza!

Gymnastics Video

Tanner at Gymnastics last week.