Midschool?

What the heck, when did I grow old enough to have a daughter in middle school?

Although Madison had been talking about it often, it took me a little while to grasp the magnitude of Madison starting Midschool. I DO not have it together enough, figured out enough, mature enough to have a daughter hitting puberty and middle school and all the suckiness that is all wrapped up into those two huge life changes.

Madison is really looking like her Auntie Holly and Heather, every once in awhile she gives me this look and her eyes mirror Daddy Greg's. It cuts me to the core, then I have to try to celebrate God's plan. It has got to be better than mine.

Tell me, moms out there? did you have it together? did you feel mature? financially responsible? Life plan in hand? when your kids hit that age.

Well I took a little advice from my own childhood and took Madison for a haircut, eyebrow tweeze, and highlights to high light this coming of age year.

(oh, and lunch)

Moving in

Not much happened in the month of august except for the mad dash to get a certificate for occupancy...and moving before our lease was up, Richard literally drove 3 thousand miles to get home, walk into the house and pick up a hammer. It took a very long time to move, but we made it, not graceful but moved.

With just a little bit of dirt behind the ears.

And He came home to me MAD

Richard never took the time to get his hair cut while he was gone, I love the mad prof look he is sporting.

Hey he really does study

Nothing irritates Richard more than his students telling him, they can't do it, he doesn't understand how hard it is....because apparently they all think it is easy for him..."he is smart" ( a smart a**maybe) but here is the proof, he actually studies to acquire his knowledge, contrary to some popular belief in Math 97 he doesn't already know it all. Let me enlighten you on how much he truly does not know. He hee he.

the 4th

Jessica and Dan hosted the 4th of July, what fun Stevenson is hot but beautiful in July. A little Eastwind cheeseburgers, family the whole stecker clan came on down, friends (Grillone clan came over for the fun) lorene and Marlene showed up too. lots of fireworks good food home made ice cream, kids playing games in the yard and fun conversation between the adults was so much fun. you never know when something is going to be the last, unfortunately we never cherish things the way we should, Eastwind drive through changed owners, Grillones have moved to eastern Washington so only the fates know when we will be able to capture the magic again.

adventure

I can't imagine how he did it, but he managed to make it through the stress, chapters and chapters, the sociology and the mind expanding math. I am really glad he made the time to at least visit two sites. He was able to climb the indian staircase (knotches dug out of a cliff) and help a cohort peer up the steep climb. An opportunity he will never get again, super cool he seized the opportunity

So far away, but so close by at the same time

I really take this instant correspondence for granted. I can reach Richard by facebook, skype, cell phone and e mail. So spoiled and still missing him, I think my grandmother would laugh at me for being so silly, considering the fact that when she gave birth to my father, she walked to the hospital, and then sent my grandpa Stecker a telegram because he was over seas I believe World War II (but I could be wrong and am ashamed I don't know) to let him know he had another boy and she named him after him...My dad is a JR. Grandpa Stecker told her he wouldn't even name a dog George Lester Stecker JR.The only benefit of having a husband so far away...you can name the baby what ever you darn well please.
Well perhaps Richard should just be glad I like him around so much... and be glad that he was here when Rebecca was born, I might have named her Richard W. Swearingen the III.

The Cabinets

Don't forget Chris, my brother helping assemble cabinets, wire the house, consult with dad on placement of sound system wires and entertainment placement options. I am sure many many more things that I am not even aware off. Julie and Jessica assembled cabinets and helped me set up the kitchen and laundrey rooms !!!!Even after helping me with my kids all summer long!!!

110 Warrren Acres Rd.

When I wasn't at clinical or working on homework, Rebecca and I stayed pretty busy trying to do a little bit on the house. Once again family saved my bottom as we all worked really hard to get into the house before the start of Fall semester. Rebecca worked so hard she would fall asleep on the carpet scrap.... Mom and I worked on painting the house some accent green walls and one chocolate brown, mom painted ALL the doors and trim. Hot and sweaty summer. Dad practically built, wired, and plumbed the house himself with a little bit of help (that was a massive amount of charity) from his friends. We had some wonderful volunteers from church really chip in. Richard's dad came and stayed with us for a few days to help trim out the house, what a treat to get to know him better. My Uncle Brian Dahl did a massive amount of tractor dirt flour moving ( the dirt is hard until it is moved a bit, then it become super fine cake flour...) My Uncle Doug flew up 3 times spending his little vacation time and frequent flyer mileage to help dad with the wiring. I Will always be grateful for the love, family and friends have poured upon us.

Aud and Lily

Ma Mom out did herself and took Lily and Audrey to Princess camp the week everyone was having grandma time. They looked adorable in their clothes, and they did such a good job on their dance routine! And even though I am blogging it months later, she can still do part of the dance. Audrey loves dancing and gymnastics, however she had to choose what she wants to participate in and the idea is to start swimming lessons and sports through the itty bitty clubs as soon as we have a little extra moolaa for that sort of things...What a princess.

scooting booty

Rebecca grew up while dad was away, she discovered how to scoot. Her favorite place to scoot to was the dog food, while mom was reading text books. YUCK

A bit of Fun

Before Richard had to go, he took the kids to the park, I met up with them one day after clinical to see these huge smiling faces taking on the slide. Audrey had a great time with Richard fishing, she caught her very own cat fish, Richard even allowed her to video tape the exprience. She had a blast as the cat fish "wobbled" at her on the line. I need to search his computer so I can put it up on the blog for you. so much fun! We also discovered Audrey still likes things fast, Richard introduced her to the tire swing. Audrey cheered Richard on to go faster until the tire swing was vertical on the axis and she was "SWINGING" this kid is always going to be 90 MPG or more. Nicholas found some wonderful sticks, and is expanding his collection. He and his friend Timmy we able to take the Grandpa George's little boat out on clear lake with Richard before he left, they filled up on snacks, tried their patience, and eventually caught a fish. I never heard if the fish was worth the wait. Perhaps to Timmy it was, but Nicholas was ready for some fun.

Summer Semester 2009

The summer was full of fun as Richard and I tried to finish the summer semesters apart. I was a little tired from being a single mom again. My friend Jenny caught me snoozing during a video presentation at Clinical on my very own phone. HA. I would not have been able to do it without the awesome support I recieved from my family. Julie and Chris took Nicholas and Audrey for a month, well Audrey only lasted a weekend, but Nicholas had a blast spending the majority of the summer with Logan, his cousin, they are pretty much inseperable. It reminds me of the relationship Greg had with his cousin and best friend Ryan. Mom and Megan, stepped up to the challenge, as usual and Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Rick took the kids on an awesome fossil adventure. To everyone's credit, I was able to bring home 2 A's and 1 B+. TA DA.

Stupid Smart Phones

apparently iphones pics are in a different format and not compatible with the pc. What the heck!!!! I haven't found a quick way to convert them RICHARD HELP!!!

Something in the Air

Audrey, Rebecca and I jumped in the pool this afternoon, it took enormous effort on my part, not to jump right back out. The water was FREEZING. Audrey had been waiting to go swimming all day and was so excited I was finally taking her, so Rebecca went onto my shoulders and held on to my curly locks so she wouldn't fall. After my legs were numb we only felt a frigid shock now and then when Audrey would cannon ball back into the pool. She is always so full of spunk. Needless to say I stuck to my word, and we only had to stay in the water for about 20 minutes before it was too cold for even Audrey. There is definitely a chill in the air, I hope it stays he hee he. Stupid palm springs of Washington is too hot. lol. Everyone is getting ready for school to start tomorrow morning. it is pretty exciting stuff. Audrey starts kindergarten this year, but the school district has them starting the day after everyone else does. So I have one last day home with my sweet baby girl.

We went for a hike yesterday, it is one we have done before but we walked further this time and saw the greatest rocks, I am determined to go back, I hope we can in the near future go take a few pictures. Jessica just blogged about how she loves carrying her little camera in her diaper bag, it made me think...hey I used to do that too. I have very few pictures of "LIFE" for the past few months. It is sad, Rebecca seems to change everyday, not to mention the other kids, Audrey has grown up by leaps and bounds. It is so awesome and awful at the same time.

Oh and we moved, I have to take pictures and post them I never even took pictures while we were all do so much work to get the place ready. yikes not much of a scraper these days, I wouldn't have any pictures to post. silly Nichole

Back to studying, I really shouldn't have snuck the few minutes to write this much Pictures to come, now we have moved I will have Richard put all the pictures on the server so I don't have to find the pictures he takes on his computer. that will be a breeze.

Slide show of Greg

Ryan, Greg's cousin and great friend put together a slide show for their family reunion. I am posting the link if any of you would like to watch it...


http://gallery.me.com/roskelley#100090

Audrey came home

Sothis picture is from the Stecker Family reunion, however, I got to see my sweet daughter and niece, Lily today in the same dress. Audrey was so homesick that her Auntie Julie brought her home for a visit. She was so sad just thinking about leaving me tomorrow that she just cried and said, "but when I am gone, I miss your kisses.....(sob) and I miss your hugs, they are the best"
tug tug on the heart strings ( or for the anatomiers in us all, Purkinje Fibers).

NICU

(pic taken from internet, no HIPPA violation here, google images)

I was priviledge to spend the day with the premies today, something my sister has always wanted to do, which helped me appreciate the experience all the more. I loved it and I totally did not expect to. I know most people would think, because I have 4 babies I am all googoo over the infants and baby thing. I have never had that disposition. However, today, I experienced a new perspective and appreciation for LIFE, and the fight to survive. I was able to assist with babies born at 31 to 34 weeks gestations. Ages a day to 2 months. The nurses supported their patients with amazing care, it was fascinating to listen and watch them perform within their scope of practice.

A few things you miss this year Read bottom to top

And i am still trying to get the Posers to pose
Audrey totally loves her baby sister. She is great at helping me, singing her a song and being her friend. Your mom still sends the cutest outfits for the babies

Nicholas has outgrown sonic, totally into Pokemon and Yugi-oh Reading books almost a bookie like Madison. He likes hanging out with Timmy and logan. He has always got a stick in hand morphing into a weapon, wand, bat, or tortue device of some kind
He loves "stay up as late as you want friday night" nights.

I turned 34, a not so lucky year for you. I am still trying to make my chin look smaller, can't manage a checkbook or budget, Forget the laundry and keeping the house clean as i have said before, it is totally overrated, i am still working on being a good, student, mother, daughter, sister, friend and wife. When i figured it out my job will be done here. I am going to be on earth a very VERY long time.

Audrey is 4 and sassy, she loves, gymnastics, princess pink, pink poodles, star hands and reading. Not to mention jump JUmp JUMPING

Rebecca's blessing day. Stevenson's clans Gillone's and Davenports traveled to make the day even more special.


baby is here, a sweet baby girl. (Rebecca Grace instead of Hunter Fisher)

Nicholas turned 9. with logan by

his side spurring on his imagination

Truxton Davenport joined our Family, Dad is still working on the house, looking snazzy in his Carharts

oh yea, pregnant and puking AGAIN

Speaking of horses, 2008 Centeral Washington State Fair, Madison Rocked her class.

Madison talked Richard and I into Chinchillas, I mean we gave in just so she would stop talking, they are now in a new home, so she can concentrate on horse poop that stays in the barn instead of Chinchilla poop all over her bedroom

Marc and Rhonda have Roxy Molly and

Mojo all puppy additions to the Family, Brittany Graduated this year, Totally Awesome. Chandler is making Marc's Eyes roll and Nic is still trying to kiss all the girls (and Rhonda and I can't manage to pick up a phone)

I learned all about patient care

Nicholas and Audrey actually played together

Madison turned 11 and pierced her ears.....

they are now closed. But she is as beautiful as ever

God be with you till we meet again

my camera RIP

how can kids break a water-proof, shatterproof camera?????
it is non functioning. guess i will have to venture to the dark side and use Richards

Chester poochie baby

the title says it all