Jan. 31 - Coach Shaun. Here's my girls with their soccer coach (and our good friend) Shaun. He is an awesome coach and the girls are actually learning and doing better because of his advice and coaching. Who knows maybe they'll actually score a goal before the season is over. :) And our Spirit Tunnel is getting better every week!
Jan. 30 - New Coffee Pot. Here's a picture of my new coffee pot..I love that I can just put my cup under and it automatically dispenses my coffee. The only draw back is that this is only a 10 cupper and my last one was a 12 cupper. We'll have to see if that really is an issue...if so, that just means I make 2 "pots" instead of one!! My husband asked if the coffee tastes any different, and of course I said yes, otherwise I'll never be able to get another new one if they all taste the same. Excuse me while I go make another cup...
Jan. 28 - Emma and Nanny. Today was another day I had my nieces and nephew for the day. Only today, my grandmother came along to spend the day with us. I LOVE this picture. Emma was goofing around and huggin and kissin on Nanny...of course, Nanny loved it. I am so glad my kids and nieces and nephews are able to know their great grandmother and spend time with her. I have so many wonderful memories of her and my grandfather when I was growing up...camping, trips to the little store, watching movies, The Price is Right and fried chicken every Sunday. When my kids think of their Nanny I'm sure The Price is Right and doughnuts will come to mind.
Jan. 27 - Biggest Loser Night. Every Tuesday, my family and I gather at someone's house to have dinner together and weigh in. After watching the TV show, Biggest Loser, for quite a few seasons, we have begun our own biggest loser contest. Each week we pay $3 to weigh in and the person that loses the most for that week only has to pay $2. We started this back in October and are having our finale on April 12 (Easter). We took December off because, well, it's just hard to be good in December. My first photo was of me actually on the scale but then I decided to take a picture of the scale before I got on. It kinda reminds me that every day is like an etch a sketch. When those numbers show up, I can either show everyone my wonderful "artwork" or I can shake the heck out of it and start over again. I love do overs!! Sometimes too much...Did I mention the $3 weigh in fee...well the winner with the largest percentage of weight loss wins the pot. Oh, I forgot to mention, if you gain any weight that week, you must pay $1 for every pound you gain. Brian had to pay $7 last week...what does that tell you!! I'm guess the "pot" should be around $600 by the time all is said and done. I'm gonna need that to buy new clothes when I win!! :)
Jan. 26 - GNO!! First of all, Happy Birthday Kiki!! I can't believe you're 14 today!! Love you!! Tonight Regan and I had a girls night out, while Rylie had some daddy Rylie time. We went to McDonalds for dinner (I tried talking her into anything but that!) and then got our dessert to eat at home. Our fav...Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Blizzard!! YUMMY!!
Jan. 25 - Sunday night movie night. Sunday nights are usually movie nights at my house. Usually we rent a kids flick and a "big" kid's flick from our local Redbox. Can't beat $1 movies!! Anyhow, one of my favorite kid flicks was on TV tonight so we watched it. This is one of my favorite scenes in the movie, I don't really know why, it just makes me laugh. If you don't know what movie it is....think Ashton Kucher and Martin Lawrence....guesses anyone??
Jan. 23 - Build A Bear. Here are the finished products from our visit to Build A Bear. (Rylie's gift card for her birthday) As you can see, even though it isn't Regan and Olivia's birthday, they both got an animal too. Aunt Tara is such a softie!! Rylie's animal, a dog named Brownie, got a special outfit since she was the birthday girl. None other than a Chicago Bears Cheerleading outfit. We'll be ready for next season!! The Bears could definitely use all the help they can get !
Jan. 22 - Where's the Ring? Most people probably wouldn't notice or even think that it's a big deal, but today's picture disturbs me alittle. One of the first things I notice about someone is whether or not they are wearing a wedding ring, and then what does their wedding ring look like. I may not remember your face or your name, but I'll probably remember what your wedding ring looks like. Weird, I know. Anyhow, did you notice that Michelle Obama is not wearing her wedding ring?? She is fashioning a beautiful ring which I'm sure cost more than I'll see in my lifetime...however I have to wonder why she would choose any other ring over her wedding ring. I love my wedding ring... I never take off my wedding ring...it is my most prized material possession!! I know I don't need a ring to remind me how much my husband loves me, but I love the fact when people see my ring they know I'm married.
Jan. 21 - The Koepkemobile. Today's picture is of our family mode of transportation. I was one of those moms who didn't think I needed a minivan, and really did NOT want one!! I was quite happy with my Grand Prix and getting the kids in and out didn't seem to be too much of a chore. After attending the Chicago Auto Show and sitting in different minivans, just to see if I might like one, I fell in love with the Odyssey. I thought "one day if I ever get a minivan, I would like an Odyssey." In the summer of 2005, we became the proud owners of our Honda Odyssey. I love my van, love the room, and love that my kids can get in and out very easily. Until about a month ago, unbeknowst to me, I found out my husband really doesn't like the van and only got it cause he knew I loved it. Needless to say, this baby is last til my kids graduate!! At least I hope it does...I really don't want another car payment!! Note to my wonderful hubby: notice how clean the van is (thanks to a free car wash coupon)...I really need to working on keeping the van alittle cleaner. It really drives hubby crazy.
