Swains R'Us

OLM Giveaway

2011-07-13T14:22:00.000-05:00

I love giveaways, but especially from talented people

where I wish I had their talent.

Yesterday's post featured the cutest witch and

I sooo love the look of it.

Today I am featuring another lady who is crafty as well.

Check out her giveaway at

Primitives By Olde Lady Morgan.

I had to check her blog out because she calls herself

an "Olde Lady" but then I saw that she is ONLY

10 years older then myself. Hhhhmmmm...

SO Olde Lady Morgan you are NOT old,

and neither am I! ;)

Part of entering for her giveaway was posting

what makes MY heart skip a beat.

I love my God, my family and when I actually have time, crafting!!

Here is my tribute in pictures~

I love this picture of Christ Resurrected by Harry Anderson

My handsome hubby holding our newest.

He works so hard for our family and I am so proud of him!

We need to update the fam pics but here is all 4 of my boys together after the newest was born.

My two younger "sharing" J's toys.

Me and 3 of my crazy boys (one was napping)

These are some artwork display boards I made

and I love the custom look.

Made this for the older 2's room and I love it!

Now head over and enter the giveaway yourself!

2010 blurred right by

2010-06-19T07:50:00.012-05:00

I have not blogged since last year and we are almost half way through this year... Sad. So, this post is pretty much for my mom and mom-in-law since I don't post too many pics on facebook either. Here is 2010 in fast forward Swain style...

In January we took a tour of Inner Space Caverns, in Georgetown, TX, and had a blast!

Cool cavern picture

Hard to see in this picture~ after the tour we let the boys mine for fun. They had a blast, daddy loved teaching them about the semiprecious stones they found, and fun was had by all. We highly recommend Inner Space Caverns. They do have some fun tours for more adventurous souls without kids.

We had SNOW!! The boys were able to play for a few minutes before school.

More snow fell while they were at school

JD stayed where you put him

Jeremy Daniel turned 6 months (not sure what the laser light is). Outfit from Rosemary Procer.

Now he crawls EVERYWHERE

Thumb sucker

Brotherly love {in the form of wrestling} starts early

He thinks he's big now sitting in the restaurant highchair

Jerald had a mad science bday party (the trash bags are really "lab coats")

Volcano science-y stuff

Watching mentos interact with diet coke

8! Where did time goooooo?

Uncle Justin came to visit

Our 3 sons

JD learned to sit up 7 mos

So the first few months of 2010~

Jd grew more spunky

Gary grew a little more

Jerald grew a little

And, yes, it's true the older I get~ the more I look like my mom

Happy Birthday Gary!

2010-01-18T07:20:00.001-06:00

Gary turned 5 before Christmas and we celebrated his birthday at Wazoo's which is an inflatable jumping heaven for children. It was pure bouncy house madness and they loved it!

Not sure how one manages to hurt his head in an inflatable pirate ship, but my kid would be the one to figure it out. Poor Gary.

Gary and Connor racing.
I always knew my kids belonged in the zoo!

Even J.D. had fun.
He loved his cake, the tank transformers into a robot.
Happy Birthday Gary!! We love you!

Adventures in Snow

2010-01-05T09:03:00.018-06:00

We spent Christmas at my parent's home in Indiana. It snowed, as it usually does there in the frozen north, so the boys were able to experience all the fun that comes along with snow. There were snowball fights, angel making, and sledding. For the majority of of our trip they saw the ground covered in snow and they couldn't resist tossing the snowballs at each other, their parents, aunts and grandparents. They truly enjoyed the visit. And YES, that is Jeremy in shorts.

It's the wedgie before the pants full of snow moment of love by Daddy.

Okay, so the sledding was just down my parent's miniscule hill-esque backyard. It still counts doesn't it?

Daddy's turn

Santa's Surprise Visit

2010-01-05T08:38:00.007-06:00

We were visiting our friends, the Pritchards, the Sunday before Christmas when out of the blue Santa appeared. My boys were thrilled that Santa knew where the Pritchard's lived. They each spent time sitting on Santa's lap and talking to him.

Gary was quite the experience though. He sat on Santa's lap and Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas. Did my son ask for a ball? A toy plane? A remote control car?

No sadly, he did not. He asked for an umbrella! Santa did not quite understand what Gary had answered so he asked Gary "what is that"?

(Poor Santa could not understand Gary talk, not enough time around real children and too much time around elves I guess.)

Gary stood up and held his arms up to his head like an umbrella and said "you know, the thing that keeps you from getting wet in the rain".

Santa laughed and asked "doesn't your mom let you use an umbrella when it's raining"?

Gary said "No, she just lets me get wet! So I want an umbrella for Christmas".

Seriously, this was his real conversation with Santa.

And no, Santa didn't get him an umbrella for christmas. Santa knows that it puts hair on a boys chest to get wet in the rain, like a real man.

J.D.

Gary

Jerald

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling, NOT!

2009-12-09T20:23:00.002-06:00

J.D. at 4 months...

So, I caught my little man trying to roll over. Excited, I ran and grabbed the camera, ran back, snapped some quick shots, and then...

HE STOPPED!! He wanted to pose instead!!
Cute Booger!

2009-11-30T19:11:00.002-06:00

Just a mom shouting out about a brand that I love. I do, I love Boiron's homeopathic line of products. I first tried their Oscillococcinum at the first sign of flu for both the boys and I and it worked great!! I have also used Chestal for the boys and Calendula Cream works wonders too.

With using Boiron I have peace of mind knowing that there are no known side effects, they don't interact with any other meds, they contain no questionable ingredients for children, and contain natural ingredients. I just purchased some with this dollar off coupon to keep on hand. Try it for yourself and see if you love it as much as I do!!

What an Adventure!!

2009-11-18T09:16:00.018-06:00

If you are in the Texas area you MUST visit the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center!! Jeremy & I went many moons ago when he was in medical school so we took the kids to enjoy the experience too! It is located one hour and 20 mins from the DFW area. Contains 1700+ acres of free roaming deer, ostriches, emus, rhinos, wildebeests, giraffes, and other wildlife that you can feed their special food from your car. It's a drive-through 9 1/2 mile tour of pure fun! About half way on this tour, up on a hill is a restaurant (with good food), a children's petting center, and a gift shop where you get out and stretch your legs and let the kids run around. FOSSIL RIM IS LOADS OF FUN!! A TOTAL MUST SEE!!

And did I mention the actual dinosaur track? See for yourself~

Red Deer~

Deer~

Zebra~

Wildebeest~

Blackbuck antelope~

Ostrich~

But, by far, the Giraffes were our favorite of the trip. They stuck their long necks down and pretty much tried to get into the car with us. The boys loved it!

I zoomed in for this shot~

The boys trying to get his attention with the food (blurry because I was trying to move and hold the baby and get a shot at the same time. I did not like the giraffe in the car that close to me, if you notice that is my seat he is taking over, Jeremy was in the driver seat.)

One of the boys feeding him, enticing him further into the car~

J.D. was not scared to have this huge head sticking in our car~

And, before leaving he even licked J.D.'s toes, but I missed the shot!

Here is a view of the Restaurant atop the hill~

The next 2 are views from the balcony of the restaurant.

There were some unique signs through out the park. I know this one is missing the E-R to it, but without those 2 little letters it reads in a different light~

Gary and his friend Matthew at the petting zoo~
I ran out of battery before the Cheetah cage and the last half of the tour. Total bummer because I love Cheetahs. We enjoyed our trip and encourage you to go if you are in the area. A+ for Fossil Rim.

Sick... twisted... FREAKY!

2009-11-15T18:14:00.004-06:00

I was on the net looking for something innocent about bees when this stung me! Freaked me out! Yuck! This is a doll that is for sale. Someone has a Stephen-King-twisted-mind! I still don't like looking at it, so I posted it for you to see....

Thank a Veteran

2009-11-11T07:06:00.007-06:00

I just wanted to take a quick moment to THANK all our service men & women on this veteran's day. I am grateful to my husband, father, father-in-law, grandfathers and other family members for their service!!! I am proud of all of you!! Thanks for your sacrifices for your country! Thankful for your time serving so that my family & I can live in a free nation. We DO appreciate you and your labor of love!

Many of you have called or emailed us asking about that horrible, shocking tragedy that happened here at Fort Hood. We are thankful for your concerns. Instead of deploying Jeremy like he was supposed to, they gave him a new job as OIC (Officer In Charge) of a clinic on post. He started last Monday, and then on Thursday was that appalling attack. Well, Jeremy's new office is 2 buildings away from where the shooting took place. After the shooting started, people attempted to leave the building, one man ran over to Jeremy's clinic and the receptionist called 911. Jeremy and some nurses took off to help out until the swat team cleared the area. They then went on to the hospital to help out as they were over run with shooting victims. He was just grateful to be helping out. The mood here at Fort Hood has changed, you can see the affects on people faces and hopefully yesterdays' memorial will help to bring some kind of closure. I don't know if we will ever understand the reasons behind such a blatant heinous act but pray that our service men and women will find the peace needed to leave this behind them and move forward. Many here seem to be looking over their shoulders straining to see if there is a hidden danger. I've even seen it off post at the stores, soldiers constantly surveying the area around them.

Take a moment today to thank everyone you know that has been in or is in the military. Reflect on the military service provided this great country and how those whose lives have been lost have protected you. Our bishop on Sunday at church had everyone stand up that has been in military action since WW1 and for every war, skirmish since then. As he called out each war and those who have served stood up, I had to fight back tears of gratitude. It was amazing and and awe-inspiring as men and women stood showing their selfless devotion to our country. The whole process took only 5 minutes but will always remind me how lucky I am to live here in America, home of the brave. Very reflective and thought provoking for this Veteran's day.

"...let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom." ~Dwight D. Eisenhower declaring Veterans Day November 11, 1954

Texas State Aquarium

2009-11-10T08:56:00.000-06:00

We enjoyed the Texas State Aquarium with some cousins before the baby was born. Here are some fun shots.

BoOoOoO!

2009-11-04T04:22:00.003-06:00

My halloween craft this year thanks to a good friend~

Karen Weatherston!

I purchased the BOO! and the board from her. Visit her website and call to order. Calling makes it more personal and ensures a correct order!!

Halloween Cookie Time

2009-11-01T10:28:00.001-06:00

It's halloween cookie day! Not to be confused with girl scout cookie day, entirely different day. Don't get me excited!

We invited our neighbors, the Pritchard girls over to help us. That way we could spread the fun AND send half the cookies home with them to avoid having all that sugar in the house. Like I need any more diet distractions, the holidays are upon us! Jerald is in camo because it was camo day at school and he wore the whole outfit that Aunt Aimee& Uncle Dustin gave him a few years back for his birthday. Gary wore just camo shorts and Maddy had on a cute camo skirt!

See Aimee, it's the gift that keeps on giving ! They STILL love it!!!

The Winner is.... ME!

2009-10-29T16:24:00.013-05:00

Thank you to

Trying To Stay Calm

and to

TinyHineys ~

I won this adorable pumpkin dish towel!!

First off, TinyHineys was just fun to say, so I HAD to stop over and check them out. And I LoVeD what I saw! Check out the new seasonal items!! Don't forget to check out the baby bibs, burp cloths and clothes! {{ThEy aRe jUsT AdOrAbLe!!}}

Thank you!! It put a smile on my face!!

Now it's your turn... check out their sites and enter to win for yourself!!

Pumpkin Patch x2

2009-10-29T09:25:00.011-05:00

Gary had his first field trip!! First, they painted their wee-little pumpkins.

Next, they heard a story about a square pumpkin and then danced some jigs, one was called Skulls, shoulders, knees and Bones! which they all loved!

Hay ride time!!

Then it was off to the animal races, Gary was a lion~

Lastly, they were able to examine the outer and inner pumpkin mysteries by touching several different textured pumpkins, smooth vs bumpy, followed by the icky, gooey insides.

We had so much fun on Gary's field trip that we decided to go on a family field trip to the Silo Christmas Tree Farm for their version of a pumpkin patch~

The boys decided they didn't want to spend all their tickets on the horseback ride, so they decide to feed the animals. They get the food, go in the pen, the animals commence to draw near unto the food, they panic, throw said food on the ground and try to climb out of the animal pens.

Jerald's face says it all~ panic!

Dad calmed them down while mom laughed and took pictures.

...AAGGHH! It's a dragon! Oh, no it's not... it's just a goat!

Gary stopping by to tell mom hi & that he loves her! What a sweet little man!
Some of the maze, can't see Gary's head but he is in there. He is just rounding the corner to exit the maze.

The train ride was very exciting.

Pump races were a hit!

Cool butterflies all around

Pumpkins as big as kids!

Gotta have a cool spooky tree to complete the Boo! atmosphere.
Jerald making friends with the Brahma.

Fun Friday

2009-10-23T10:25:00.000-05:00

Dad's turn

2009-10-21T08:43:00.001-05:00

In honor of give-a-kid-a-camera day, I thought I would show what happens when big Jeremy gets hold of the camera...

And this one is what happens when you give him a pen and a camera. Your oriental squash turns into another silly face around the Swain house.

And y'all wonder why I never post pictures of myself! No one to take a serious picture besides me.

From the mouth of Gary

2009-10-18T15:08:00.005-05:00

I overheard Gary playing with an army man and superman toy figurines today after church. Superman told the army guy that he was not a child of God, he was a daddy of God. Then a little later the army guy told superman that he was not a child of God, he was a son of God since he was a boy.

And I would like to thank....

2009-10-06T09:03:00.013-05:00

A special day in deed! My dear and longtime friend, Rachelle, whose blog is

has given me this lovely blog award! How sweet!

Thank you Rachelle! Thanks to my wonderful family, they make it SO easy to blog! Thanks to my mother, who has always inspired me to be creative! Thanks to my sisters... my silent but loud cheerleaders! Thanks to all my family and friends who read the blog... and because they do I continue to blog! And to the Academy of Blogging... if there were no blogging I would not be receiving this lovely blog award! Thank you!! Thank you!!

Here are the rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award":
Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Serious time now. I have to be serious now? The rules of the award states that I have to award 15 new blogs that I have discovered lately. 15! Wow! I don't know if I can count that high, but here goes! These are all new blogs that I have recently discovered and I am sharing them with you. They are all divine and amazing women who write with a purpose!

1. Pedaling

(because she is right on, woman!)

2. Give Away Today

There is a give-away-a-day!

3. Earnest Parenting

(because she has 2 sets of twin boys and lives to blog it,

she likes the love and logic parental method too,

and we all need some advice, encouragement and help sometimes

www.loveandlogic.com)

4. Amanda's DEBT FREE blog

(she is that smart and encourages others to be too!)

5. U Create

(because one day I too will create)

6. Trying to stay Calm

(she gives freebies away)

7. MMB

(Mormon Mommy Blogs is a site for everything and it is WONDERFUL)

8. Beehive Messages

(her creativity ASTOUNDS me and I am grateful she shares)

9. Crafty Chicks

(because it is just plain crafty-licious)

10. Tip Junkie

(aren't we all tip junkies inside??)

11. Thou shalt not whine

(you have to read her~ she is that good!)

12. An American Princess

(She writes along the lines of what I am thinking.

Oh, and she is a Princess!

Aren't we all?

13. Hyperactive Lu

(Maybe it is the ADD in me but She sounds divine! Just read her!)

14. Here in the Bonny Glen

(she home schools and secretly I want to but not sure if my kids and

I will survive the experience together

**Also she writes books about Laura Ingalls Wilder's great-grandmother**)

15. See Mommy RUN

(Because I will run again... but right now I am walking up to it)

NOW~ Check out these sites and see for yourself why they are so divine!! You may find a few new favorites!

Give A Kid A Camera Day

2009-10-05T08:27:00.008-05:00

What happens when you give a kid a camera?

You get all sorts of interesting pictures...

carpet shot

baby boppy close-up

baby in bassinet

We did not actually give him the camera but someone in our household tried his luck at photography. The little sneak thought his escapade would go unnoticed. Poor kid has so much to learn.

So who could our little booger be??

hhhhmmmm... looks like Gary feet to me.

AND that is a Gary head! Must be GARY!!!

Never a dull day at the Swains.

Joyous Occasions

2009-10-04T13:08:00.015-05:00

A couple of weeks after the baby was born we drove down to Corpus to have him blessed. My mother was visiting from Indiana and it was the first time she was able to be there for one of my children's blessings, a joyous event.
Here is Jeremy in the same blessing outfit that his daddy, uncles and brothers were all blessed in. G-ma Swain made it many many moons ago.

Grandpa Swain, Uncle Bryan, Daddy & Jeremy, Uncle Josh and Cousin Mark.
Daddy, Mommy, Jeremy, Gary & Jerald

Jeremy with G-ma Finley

Jeremy with G-ma & pa Swain

Jeremy with Great G-ma Ketchum

Jeremy with Great G-ma Adams

Jeremy with Aunt JulieJeremy with Jacie
Jeremy with Jenna

His newest find... his ear. He sucks his thumb and plays with his ear. Too cute!

smiling

swaddled

jail break baby

faux-hawk stylin'

Cousin Brant & Jeremy

first bath

neked and loving it

sleeping baby

And lastly, this picture made me realize a couple of things.

1. Gary plays with his tie in primary and

2. Jerald is going to have Big Jeremy's hair line. Poor guy!

Highlights of the past few weeks

2009-08-31T08:03:00.006-05:00

He's just so cute as an elf!

Gary started pre-K! Here he is on his 1st day...

Jerald's first day of 2nd grade.
Boys first day of school with their friend.

The boys and daddy on the morning of their first day of school...
Cousins Ysabella, Jeremy & Berlin...
Ysa just turned 4 months & Jeremy 3 weeks.
Proud brothers!

Jeremy Daniel Swain

2009-08-14T14:30:00.005-05:00

Jeremy Daniel Swain

August 7, 2009

6 lbs 11 oz

19 inches

With Daddy & Mommy, while mommy is still being worked on.

Mommy could just eat me up!

Daddy holds me like a football.

Me & my Swain grandparents.

My biggest brother Jerald & I.

My bigger brother Gary & I.

These are me at home.

Bye everyone! Thanks for checking out my pictures.

Up to date

2009-07-30T08:29:00.006-05:00

I have not blogged in so-ooo long. I have a few minutes so I will update with our current news. I have so many pics to post and will do that soon.

Our newest little one will soon arrive! At my doctor visit yesterday she moved my c-section date from August 10th up a few days earlier... to August 7th!! Score! I'll take it! I have managed to stay pregnant until considered "full term". This is a first for me, even though this is my 3rd baby. Going past 32 weeks was a treat and an eye-opening experience. I had braxton hicks for the first time that were strong enough to make me wonder. Had to call my mom and make sure that was normal. And thank goodness for flip flops or I don't think I would leave the house. I can't see my toes! I think I have some, somewhere...

Jeremy recently received orders after his return from JRTC (pre-deployment training) and he will be deploying right after the baby is born. We are grateful to the Lord that he will be able to be here for the birth. We have heard so many different reports since moving to Fort Hood so we weren't surprised when the official orders arrived. I was surprised that he has to report so soon but hey, some people get a few weeks notice, some know for months. Once he actually went to JRTC I knew his number was up, why would they spend money to send him and not utilize him? Even the Army isn't that stupid (or is that ?able). Jeremy is ready to go and have his deployment adventure. Camping, guns and fighting... and in his case add in blood, guts and suture!

The children and I will be going to stay with my parents. My other sister will be there and we plan to weather the deployment storm together. Good thing mom & dad have a big home. Bless my parents and their big hearts, this may do them in!!

Garden Gary

2009-05-21T08:47:00.004-05:00

We are trying to garden this year by using the square foot garden method. It seems to work, although ours is not so good. I bought cheap seeds and have learned my lesson. Here are my garden beds that Jeremy & Josh raised for me since I am pregnant. Gary is my handsome model. Ignore the weeds, our lawnmower is broken, and I have not borrowed the neighbors yet.

All that fancy hanging stuff & reynolds wrap is supposed to scare away the birds, attractive as it is not, I am not sure how well it is working with the birds either.

Happy Birthday Jerald!!

2009-04-27T07:55:00.008-05:00

Jerald turned 7!!

I can not believe that my first baby is growing up so fast! He is such a little gentleman and very girl crazy. He already has one picked out that he wants to marry! He loves science, everything is an experiment to him. He loves to sing, dance and act crazy. He is an expert reader, mastering big words and comprehending them too. He tries very hard to be Christ-like and we love his desire to follow in our Savior's footsteps. He can't wait until he is old enough to pass the sacrament at church. He purposely sits at the end of the pew so that he can be the first to pass the tray to his family. He is my cute little man!
For his cake I made a brain cake, although I should have used darker contrasting colors. I made the cake red velvet so it looked gross when cut. Kind of funky looking, but tasted pretty good.

For his birthday we took him and a friend to Wazoo's~ a crazy place filled with inflatables and the kids loved every jumping, sliding, climbing moment of madness. Then they came back home and busted out the slip-n-slide, his present from his friend.

Happy Birthday Jerald! We love you Stink Llama!

Integrity and Faith

2009-04-21T08:53:00.005-05:00

Prez Hilton, in an interview with Larry King, stated that he and the other judges expect Ms. USA to be politically correct and so Ms. Carrie Prejean's chances to be Ms. USA were dashed by Prez's bigoted question about gay marriage.

I have never been a fan of Prez Hilton, to me he is just a whiny homo trying to seek celeb status, who occasionally can be funny. I think it is a shame that the judges are using the Ms. USA pageant to once again further their own political platforms. Prez thought he was on a roll when a few voices cheered when he first started to ask his question. However, with her answer and the crowd's more boisterous applause and hurrahs he did not look pleased at all. And I loved that very moment!

I am grateful that Ms. Prejean stood up for her own personal beliefs and did not give into the pressure, even though she knew what she was giving up! What an example for others to follow. I personally think that this was a set up, an automatic fail question given to her, so shame on the pageant and the judges. How sad that Prez believes that America should be the robotic-one-answer-fits-all nation. And why are gay men judging a woman's beauty contest?

I am personally tired of the thought police and their push to silence the majority. They publicly humiliate those that stand for truth & righteousness. Prez Hilton can whine like a he has a uterus for all I care, he is the one who walks away looking like a jerk. Ms. Prejean walks away with grace and integrity. Oh, wasn't he supposed to be judging on... grace?! (Because he has some??!)

On the Fox You decide comment blog, someone posed this question and I loved it!! "Should sexism in any form, including the homosexual agenda, have a part in Ms. America?" Amen sister!

I tried to post the video and unable to do so. Those that wish to view it can click here. Pay attention to Prez's body language before and after her answer and you decide for yourself.

Mother Nature

2009-04-19T16:54:00.004-05:00

Jeremy was trying so hard to trim those ugly nasty bushes/trees in front of our house and came across these little creatures
Just hatched and so ugly they are cute! These are baby sparrows. One tree will have a funky branch sticking out until they fly away but how could we hurt their home?! Now if I can keep their mama and papa, and any other distant family members, OUT of my garden all will be peaceful here. Guess I need to buy some worms.

Gary & Mom Making Jam

2009-04-17T14:05:00.004-05:00

Last year we made divine blueberry jam thanks to our wonderful Murphy friends and their magnificent blueberry bushes. We went and picked them, came home, made our freezer jam, it was awesome. This year we did not have so much fun as we bought strawberries from H-E-B, and not even the organic ones, I am so cheap! I forgot to buy pectin so I found a recipe using sugar & lemon juice instead. I halved the sugar as it is always too much. Gary helped mom, first he tasted one to make sure they were okay.

They passed his inspection so we pursued our course of freezer jam fun. He had fun washing them, helping me hull them and crushing them.

We boiled them until our thermometer said they were ready and we spooned them carefully into our containers.

Of course we tasted the end result and it was most yummy! Thanks to my little helper and his taste buds!

Two Trillion Bucks and what do you GET?!

2009-04-15T08:07:00.003-05:00

I saw this on www.politicaljules.com's site and had to add it to mine! Those that are attending tea parties today enjoy the experience!!

CREDIT TO: Jim Gossett

Two Trillion Bucks
Obama got elected, now there is no end;
The Democrats wanna tax and spend,
Tax and spend us into bankruptcy,
With a tax-cheat runnin our Treasury.

You spend two trillion bucks, and what do you get?
No recovery but deeper in debt.
St. Peter better call me fore its too late;
I owe my soul to the welfare state!

Obama is a leftist, as he cant deny;
Govern from the center, was a great big lie.
Karl Marx Manifesto is his playbook,
And you and me soon will be on the hook.

You spend two trillion bucks, in unsecured cash;
Soon the dollar will be pure trash.
Our bond holders we have to appease;
We owe our soul to the Red Chinese.

Obama and his people are makin a mess,
Bernankes fired up the printing press,
Printin money that dont exist,
No wonder America is gettin (peeved?)

You spend two trillion bucks,
They aint done yet!
Obama and Pelosi are pilin up the debt.
I work hard for the money, this I dont deserve
We owe our souls to the Federal Reserve!

Modge Podge Pictures

2009-04-14T10:58:00.000-05:00

Here is a modge podge of pictures we have recently taken~
Beautiful (AND smart!) Berlin (Josh & Libby's little girl)

Berlin does not yet appreciate having her picture taking, so she decided to hide from the camera after the last picture was taken.

Bryan & Julie's complete family, including their 2 adopted children, Jesse & Jay at Brant's blessing.

Jeremy & I holding Brant. (I am 20 weeks pregnant here)

Bryce received the Priesthood, those who stood in the circle G-pa Brown, David Brown (Bryan's Bro) Bryce, Bryan, Jeremy, G-pa Swain and Josh

Great G-ma Adams and the boys at Aunt Cindy's.

Yes, Jeremy did take this. We are saving it for girlfriend days.

Jerald receiving his Honor Roll certificate

Jerald, G-pa Swain & Brant

Gary, G-pa Swain & Brant

Flashlight Egg Hunt

2009-04-10T12:02:00.005-05:00

We tried to attend a flashlight Egg Hunt on Fort Hood's BLORA with our friends, only to wait 45 minutes in line never making it close to the entrance gate. So we scrapped that and decided to do our own home version. The kids loved it and we decided this is going to be a new tradition for us.

(Excuse the house, I just painted and still have to texture and paint over the area where I ripped off the nasty 80's flower power wall paper)

Maddy, Gary, Jerald & Ella with baskets and flashlights.

Out back searching for their hidden eggs

Inspecting, er eating, their treasures.

Family Memorial Weekend

2009-04-10T09:37:00.010-05:00

This past weekend we made a short trip to the Houston area to support our family. Kyle Adams, Jeremy's cousin, passed away 3 years ago and annually there has been a golf tournament in his honor to raise scholarship money for a lucky outgoing senior from Kyle's High School. This money goes to a student that represents Kyle's love of life, and is not based solely on grades or sports ability. Kyle was a great kid, gifted athlete and all around compassionate soul, a rarity found here on earth at his age. For more about Kyle you can click here to read about his tragic passing. What a wonderful blessing it was to gather, honor Kyle and spend time as an eternal family. We know it has been hard on loved ones left behind and we want them to know that we are always thinking of them and Kyle. We know that we will see Kyle again and are grateful that families ARE forever. We miss you Kyle!!

Here are some highlights from our trip~

Kenny & Karen's pool was the bomb! Literally the kids were in the pool from the moment we arrived until we left, with the exception of eating & the egg hunt. I am talking 9:30 each night dragging my kids out and having them literally fall asleep moments later. It was great fun for all!

Older Cousins Brandon & Colson were the big hits, wherever they went they had a following. Thank you two for your patience and sweet spirits. Here they were trying to have a relaxing hot tub moment only to be outnumbered by little ones. How they all fit is beyond me!

Aunt Jill bought some fun water toys which included some water blasters. Joey, Holly's man, won the best strategic defense against the barrage of streaming water shot by all the kids.

We celebrated Colson's 19th birthday with a surprise party. (He is the tall one in Orange wondering why we are torturing him. He leaves for the Monterey, Mexico Mission in a week.)

Here are some egg hunt shots~

There was NO way to show all the kids hunting and all the thousands of eggs out there hidden, Kenny's yard is just too massive for such a shot. This is a small portion of it though.

Gary showing off his treasure.

Jerald and his basket.

And now the real mayhem begins... the eating of the candy. And yes, we did MAKE the older kids participate as well. Nothing spells fun like torture! I am sure though they forgave us as they were eating their candy.

We had a wonderful time and thank Kenny, Karen and Kellye for letting us be a part of helping to keep Kyle's spirit alive and sharing this personal time with us.

More shots from the trip:

Boys just trying to be tough

2009-04-03T07:55:00.004-05:00

As a mother of 2, almost 3 boys, I am really trying hard but I don't understand boys, their need to be tough, nor the whole king of the mountain mentality. Jerald took some jui jitsu classes before we left Benning and uses his little brother to practice on. They were doing side control maneuvers before I pulled out the camera but once I started to tape them, I guess they grew bored with side control and started smacking each other. They had no idea that I was taping them. Yes, that is our laughter you can hear in the background. Not a very effective method for dissuading their antics I am afraid. But watch it and see if you don't start laughing!

I am not sure why this one is sideways, I taped them (I thought) the right way up!

Baby News!!

2009-03-23T20:24:00.005-05:00

Today was ultrasound day~ Finally!! They checked the baby all over, making sure each hand had 5 fingers and each foot had 5 toes. Heart, kidney and every other thing they check seems to be fine and normal. We were even told what we are having.

First off, I want to say thank you to all those who had "girl" wishes for us. However, it looks like it will be boy #3 for the Swain house. If this is a girl she has some serious issues. I don't even think the umbilical cord can cause this look. For those who look at these things and go "huh?" this is a picture of him hiney side up, dangly part in the middle and his legs are open and stretched out. This was the very first shot of him. Already takes after Jeremy! I hate embarrassing him but I did it anyways.

Yeah, 2 feet and 10 piggy toes.

Here is his profile, his little fist is visible as well.

Then we were surprised with some 3-d shots of him. There was a new sonographer in with the one performing our ultrasound and being shown the ropes of the hospital's machine. We did not mind at all! That 3-d is the coolest thing and we were given 2 shots of him! Here he is with his hand on his face.

And another with both hands up by his face. I will have another ultrasound in 5 weeks because he would not hold still enough to get a clear picture of his heart. It seemed normal & fine, nothing out of the ordinary they just did not get a clear picture because he kept moving. Also, I am placenta previa (the placenta is down by my cervix) so they are making me come back for that too. I don't see why it matters, I will have another c-sectionand we have known this since the beginning but who am I to argue? I get to see the baby again. Hoping they do more 3-d shots as well!!

He was right on the measurement for 19 weeks and 3 days. His estimated weight is 12 ounces. And I can't wait to hold him. I had started having boy dreams and feelings, so I wasn't really surprised by this news. Jeremy still attests that he doesn't make girls so he was not surprised either. I had a girls name all picked out but have no idea for a boys name. Plenty of time left to decide but leave us a comment with your ideas on boy names.

Surround those socialist screwballs!

2009-03-12T18:14:00.008-05:00

Okay, you all know how I feel about the current presidency and the liberal left's ideology. You all get my e-mails and hear me vent all the time. I am promoting something that I think is very important and every conservative or concerned American (regardless of party affiliation) needs to see. Glenn Beck is having a special tomorrow on his television show, which he has dubbed "We Surround Them". It airs at 5 p.m. eastern time on the Fox News Network. He will go over how we can surround these socialist idiots (my word!) and help to change things. DVR it or bust out the old VCR tapes~ it will be that good! To find out more about it go to Glenn Beck's site. Also there has been a lot of buzz on the meetup site about this by concerned Americans, a compilation site to see other worthy website information on is here.

I personally don't see this ending peacefully, but that is the pessimist in me. I personally think that this has been brewing for a long time and right now both sides view themselves as past the point of no return; the kettle is hot and about to boil over. However, having said that, I can testify that anything is possible through Christ and NOW is when we need prayer & fasting most.

And I am also cleaning our guns... just in case!

Pay It Forward!

2009-03-10T12:22:00.004-05:00

With the world crashing down on us and with all the negatives in the news today I was excited to find this on a friend's blog. She is a sweet and kind hearted soul that I love.

So here is the Pay It Forward idea blog style:

What better way to remind ourselves of your blessings, show gratitude and share the love than to Pay it Forward! So in that spirit...if you want to join:
1. Leave me a comment saying so.
2. Put a similar Pay it Forward post your blog and blog what blessings your grateful for.

I will randomly choose at least 2 people who comment to surprise with some kind of fun goody sometime after Easter so that I can get this move taken care of.

Here are some things I am VERY grateful for~

My Eternal Family

A New BABY!!

My Extended Eternal Family

A Bigger House

My New Calling (even though the shock has not worn off yet and the urge to move out of ward boundaries was pretty strong)

New Friends

Old but Golden Friends

Jeremy's Job

The Lord's Hand in the Unseen, Unknown

The Book Of Mormon

Faith

We Surround Them!!

2009-03-10T11:30:00.002-05:00

Glenn Beck has it right!

We Surround Them-The Unveiling

March 13th on FOX News 5pm ET

Honor Roll and (hopefully) on a roll...

2009-02-27T15:43:00.007-06:00

Jerald's school had an awards assembly this morning. It was for the first semester and his award was for Academic Excellence for being on the A honor roll. I went to the assembly and took pictures but I can't post the pictures, as I don't have my camera plug. But, after the assembly and the parents left the principal went to the classrooms and handed out medals to all the A honor roll kids. I am still not sure why they weren't part of the assembly, but I am sure there was a reason.

On a side note~ I really think the medal is a bit much at the first grade level. AND does that mean he would get a second one at the end of the year awards for the 2nd semester? I personally thought the paper award was plenty perfect.

However, I am proud of Jerald being on the

A honor roll

and pray that it is something he keeps up. He did tell me that if he ever receives a B that will still be a good mark too.

Yeah Jerald!

We Surround Them

2009-02-26T18:01:00.004-06:00

We Surround Them-The Unveiling March 13th on FOX News 4pm CT

www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/21018/

Do you watch the direction that America is being taken in and feel powerless to stop it?

Do you believe that your voice isn’t loud enough to be heard above the noise anymore?

Do you read the headlines everyday and feel an empty pit in your stomach…as if you’re completely alone?

If so, then you’ve fallen for the Wizard of Oz lie. While the voices you hear in the distance may sound intimidating, as if they surround us from all sides—the reality is very different. Once you pull the curtain away you realize that there are only a few people pressing the buttons, and their voices are weak. The truth is that they don’t surround us at all.

We surround them.

So, how do we show America what’s really behind the curtain? Below are nine simple principles. If you believe in at least seven of them, then we have something in common. I urge you to read the instructions at the end for how to help make your voice heard.

12 Values

Honesty

Reverence

Hope

Thrift

Humility

Charity

Sincerity

Moderation

Hard Work

Courage

Personal Responsibility

Friendship

The Nine Principles

1. America is good.

2. I believe in God and He is the Center of my Life.

3. I must always try to be a more honest person than I was yesterday.

4. The family is sacred. My spouse and I are the

ultimate authority, not the government.

5. If you break the law you pay the penalty. Justice is

blind and no one is above it.

6. I have a right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness,

but there is no guarantee of equal results.

7. I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who

I want to. Government cannot force me to be charitable.

8. It is not un-American for me to disagree with authority

or to share my personal opinion.

9. The government works for me. I do not answer to them,

they answer to me.

You Are Not Alone

If you agree with at least seven of those principles, then you are not alone. Please send a digital version of your picture to: wesurroundthem@foxnews.com and then stay tuned to the radio and television shows over the coming weeks to see how we intend to pull back the curtain.

Go to Glenn Beck's website to sign up to ~

Host or Attend a Viewing Party

OR Find a Viewing Party

New place to call home

2009-02-17T16:19:00.004-06:00

Here is our new home for the next 2 years! We are renting a nice little four bedroom off post that we will take hold of next month. We are excited and it has more bedrooms, great for the new baby! Now we just have to worry about the moving part. I can't stand those big green bush trees but, it will be nice in the summer to have the shade.

It's an.... alien baby!! Yeah!

2009-02-03T14:56:00.004-06:00

Too early to tell the sex but it is human (as opposed to those puppy wishes my 4-year-old is having). These early ultrasound pictures are funny as the fetus always looks like a little alien to me.

Awardage

2009-01-31T10:12:00.008-06:00

Sweet Tara nominated my blog for this award, thank you Tara. Her blog is quite the cute one and full of funny reads!

I am passing this award on to:

The rules are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Nominate your favorites and link to this post.

Now Ladies, NO pressure to participate. Some do and some don't~ I am passing it on to you because I want to recognize your blog appeal! If you choose to participate ~ Have fun!! Though it is HARD ONLY picking out 10. I wanted to change the number because I love all my friend's blogs!

Thankful Heavenly Father choses which Prayers to ANSWER

2009-01-16T11:19:00.000-06:00

For the past few years we have been trying to have another baby. We have come to the conclusion that I can only get pregnant and have a baby while we are on Texas soil, it must be a blessed land for us. A couple of days before Christmas we found out that I am pregnant and have the EDD as August 14. All 3 of our children will have been born in different cities all over Texas. I was born here in the area we are now stationed in so maybe it will mean this baby is a girl too! Wishful thinking?? YES, of course!!

The boys were surprised. Jerald is excited and wants a baby sister since he already has a brother and look where that has gotten him (I added the last part). He asks everyday, several times a day, how big the baby is. It's going to be a looonngg pregnancy.

What does Gary think? Well, the other night it was Gary's turn to offer prayer. He does have his own interpretation of what is prayer worthy now that he is praying solo. He prayed that I would have a puppy and not a baby. Yeah, one of those moments! Although I do think he is coming around. Yesterday he asked if I could have 2 babies so he could play with one while I changed the other one's diaper. Curses all around with this child.

Jerald's fun times

Here is Gary disco skating...

Waco Memories

2009-01-14T18:33:00.008-06:00

I am limited to what I can post right now because I left my camera cord at my bro-in-laws! AARRGGHH!! These pics are from visiting my natural father and his parents in Waco which I am overdue in blogging.

The boys and Grandparents Ketchum

Gary & my dad, who we call Grandpa Ray

Grandma Ketchum and I

Jason (my brother), G-parents Ketchum, Jerald and I

We went out to lunch with Grandpa Ray~ boy was he brave!

Jessica (Jason's wife), Jaxsyn their newest, & G-K

Jason introducing Jaxsyn to G-K

G-k meeting Jaxsyn & Gary for the first time

All the grandkids on my mom's side, some are together for the first time

Jaxsyn held by Gary, Brooke held by Jason, Jerald & Jordan
It was a first to see Brooke & Jaxsyn. Brooke is a cutie!! She s all girl and must be a wonderful treat for Nikki, her mom! Jaxsyn is so cute too and the boys had fun holding him.

Christmas Confessions of an OCD Mom with ADHD

2009-01-13T21:41:00.001-06:00

We can't have a naked tree at Christmas time so we had some fun dressing it up. I have never been into "themed" trees but I really do like the colors silver & blue, so we went with it this year. As well this year, I decided not to fight with the kids, trying to reason with them on where to evenly space the ornaments, and just let them go to town. However, when they were snug in their beds I rearranged them all. Sad of me to not let their work stand? Probably, but I do value my sanity and it would have driven me mad everyday.

Jerald hanging up his share.

Gary did not understand why I was taking the pictures as they decorated the tree. Such a future man!

Their version of the tree.

Jerald wanted to make a funny face for the camera.

Gary helping mom put the nativities up.

Dressed for the 2008 Christmas season mom's way.

Proving My Loyalty to the Queen of Cooking!

2008-12-20T12:20:00.007-06:00

I am taking a moment to toot my friends horn! She is BEYOND amazing in the kitchen and has

devoted a blog to sharing her talents. If you are like me, able to make a mean spaghetti (and by mean, I do mean "mean"... tough, saucy and penurious!) then zip on over to her blog

and learn from the Queen of the Kitchen, as I call her! Even if you are kitchen crafty... she posts the recipes she uses (gives credit where due... she is the sweetest!) and who can't resist new recipes?!! You will love her as I do. And yes, she takes her OWN photos, again another multi-talented crafty chic you love to love!

Rachelle and I go way back! Friends our freshman & sophomore years of HS (GO RAMS!) and church friends, when we lived in Hawaii, until separated when we both tearfully moved the summer before our Junior year in HS, to different states. She has painfully put up with me for so many years!I only feel that it is fair that I tell the world about her awe-inspiring, *divine*, wondrous, magnificent, FABULOUS!, superb, and marvelously talented blog! But don't sit here while I blabber on about it, check it out for yourself!

And she does giveaways!!

Sisters Out to Raise Some Eyebrows

2008-12-12T10:16:00.004-06:00

I am trying to use this blog for family only posts and have started a new blog with Aimee and probably our mom, to vent some steam. I have certain viewpoints, as I am sure many of you know, and feel that those with opposing viewpoints are able to freely air their stances out regularly, with no consequence or care in the world to who they offend, as long as their toes aren't stepped on or even scrunched. This blog is for my release and desire to say that there are more than just one side's opinion and it is okay to disagree. Violence, bullying, and threats don't have to ensue because people think differently. Laws don't have to be changed and people don't have to whisper in hushed tones to avoid a backlash of ridicule either. Life can go on and people can smile and be polite and not agree on a single thing other than life is full of differences. You can check it out at Sisters Out to Raise Some Eyebrows if you so desire. If you don't we won't be offended (except, we might talk about you behind your back, but I think you are big enough to handle that... right?). Sarcasm, while not some people's preferred method of distraction, is mine and I will use it from time to time in the posts so beware that I will probably offend someone someday and hopefully it happens later rather than sooner, but as I am not in control of how others react, oh well! Let us know what you think, or don't, as I am sure you have valid opinions also and we may or may not tell you to pick a number.

Birthday Fun

2008-12-10T16:35:00.001-06:00

Gary turned 4, which has been hard for me~ my baby's growing up! Imagine, the inevitable becoming so hard to deal with! I knew 4 years ago this day would come and yet I boob like a baby anyway! Glad kindergarten is still around the corner.

He wanted a party but sad to say we don't really know anyone his age so we will do something with his cousins next week. We had a shindig in his honor that night and let him open his gifts and cards.

Last year at Christmas he annoyed us all continually spouting some lines from the J. G. Wentworth commercials "It's my money and I need it now!" (figures, my child would use a lawyer against me sometime). My wise-cracking brother sent him a card with $20 one-dollar-bills in it and signed it "Here is your money, you got it now!" So we filmed this in honor of Uncle Jason...

(Sorry it is sideways! I have no idea how to fix it on this computer and as soon as I figure it out I will change it for better viewing. I just wanted to get it up for Jason to laugh at.)

There you go Jason!

I'm a Christmas Tree?

2008-12-10T16:02:00.006-06:00

Ok, Tara had so much fun with it I thought I would give it a try! I was a little surprised at my results. I am very picky (or OCD as Jeremy calls it) when it comes to decorating for Christmas and while I don't mind other houses over flowing with decorations, I can't bring myself to do it. I despise when people put lights up and they don't flow together, no mixing color schemes people! I like the nets of lights that cover bushes but don't like trees done unless they are done right, all the way up and no half-way job! I don't personally care for the blow up lawn decorations but the kids always like them. I am not into outside Christmas decorations unless they have something to do with Christmas or winter, like snowmen, deer, penguins polar bears, those are all good. Because I am so picky I usually just throw up minimal decorations and so I guess this fits. Jeremy always has such grandiose plans but they are either too much work (Clark W. Griswald) and I can't devote that much time in my day to one project (kids, cleaning, homework, breakfast, lunch and dinner... if I don't keep up with it who does?). OR, it is too much (again Clark W. Griswald). OR, the cost is outrageous for such an undertaking and I refuse to spend the money on decorations when there are still presents to buy and mama always needs a new pair of shoes! I should just let him go to town next year! Oh well, it's a year away, plenty of time to decide!

You Are a Minimal Christmas Tree

You're not a total Scrooge, but you feel no need to go overboard at Christmas.

Less is more, and your Christmas reflects refined quality.

What Christmas Tree Are You?

I guess I am the Charlie Brown Christmas tree!

Christ is Christmas

2008-12-10T07:55:00.006-06:00

There are so many views lately on how to keep Christ in Christmas and centering the spirit on Him. My mother-in-law, who is AWESOME, helps us start off the Christmas season every year with a wonderful tradition that we all cherish! The first Sunday in December the 1st Presidency of our church has a Christmas devotional filled with up-lifting talks to center the start of Christmas, which we watch while sipping hot cocoa and eating cookies! After the devotional we open up our gift of the season from grandma, a new nativity set that we set up for all to see and ponder on through the season! This is an exciting night helping to give the Christmas holiday meaning while reminding us that the gift of the Savior, from our loving Heavenly Father, is the best gift given to mankind. Given to help us weather this wicked world by bringing the Father's gospel to all, cast a ray of hope through the darkness of sin, to remind us there is purpose and meaning to each and every person's life, and to triumph over death so that we can return to live with our Father in Heaven. Regardless of your religious views, God does exist and loves us all, desiring only that we work on returning to Him, learn of Him and His ways and share His charity to all in honor of His many blessings to us. How can we not have Christ-like Charity at Christmas and think of those less fortunate in need or spirit?! Merry Christmas to all and may the Lord's Spirit bless your home and lives while we return to the true meaning of Christmas!

Desire new ideas to help inspire your family this Christmas Season? Click on the Tip Junkie button and find the Talk to Me Tuesday post to enjoy fresh ideas and you can add your own!

Mama's Got A New Toy!

2008-12-09T21:14:00.005-06:00

My new computer that Jeremy bought me! Is it not pretty?! Don't know WHAT I am doing yet but it sure is pretty!

Tamara dear~ Happy Birthday and Cousin love time

2008-09-29T15:28:00.008-05:00

We had a fun weekend with the Swain side of our family tree as Justin brought his crew down for a visit. Tamara turned 16 and Jeremiah turned 8, which we honored with birthday sing-a-longs. Missing-in-action were Jill and Justin & Chere's daughter Jessica, both were truly missed! The Swain triplets Jeremy, Justin & Josh, were goofy & witty as usual so laughter was inevitable and heard everywhere. These pictures are from Saturday when we played in the pool and BBQ'ed at Josh & Libby's. Somehow looking through my pictures the boy cousins all eluded my lens so I will have to assault them next time! We had a blast and loved seeing all the cousins enjoy one another.

The Merry-Go-Round Ride...Is Over?

2008-09-29T14:43:00.010-05:00

We received our new orders for...

Fort Hood, TX

last Thursday. Whether, or not, we end up there will depend on if the game of "musical orders" has ended. We're from Texas and this destination puts us closer to family and friends in the Lone Star State. Killeen isn't quite the adventure we were hoping to head off to, but it sure beats FT. Polk! We are fine with it and will only be short drives away from So. Padre Island, San Antonio, Ft. Worth/Dallas, family/friends. But the question does remain~ WILL FT. Hood be HOME for the next 3 years?

Moving...is it really this hard? YUP!

2008-09-21T13:48:00.003-05:00

To all our family & friends~ we wish to thank you for the e-mails and phone calls with your queries on our behalf as far as our move goes! However, the only news I can report is that there is NO news. We had finally received our family orders to Germany, so I was working like mad to finish the things that could not be done until we received them i.e. permission to take the car overseas, send our stuff, have the passports sent to us, and fix the van before we shipping it out, etc. etc. Then a few days later that rug was pulled out from under us and it looks like the Swains will be states-bound. We are still unsure what is happening or the why. Maybe someone didn't like the paperwork hassle it was taking with the Jerald situation. Maybe I stink too much for the German people. Maybe the Lord has need for us somewhere else. All I know is that I don't know ANYTHING and hope to know SOMETHING~soon! Limbo was always this fun game to me but now it is an annoying stage in life. Patience! I see that the Lord is really serious that I learn this virtue!! We will let everyone know what is going on as we find out. I won't lie, this is a HUGE let down but at this point, I just want to know WHERE we are going and WHEN so that we can move on here. The Army maybe Strong, but organized it is not! But, because they are so unorganized they had not sent our household goods yet! Thank goodness for that or it would have been about 6 months to get them back! There are blessings~ sometimes you just have to dig deep to find them.

School must go on...

2008-08-25T16:00:00.004-05:00

Monday was Jerald's first day of 1st grade!! He was very excited this past weekend, bouncing around the house until it was time to leave. He enjoyed his first day, his new teacher, classmates and school. I can not believe he is growing so fast! Time really does fly by and once again I am running to catch up with him. We had not even made it to the car and Gary announced that he missed Jerald and we needed to go back and get him. No, it has not gotten any better this week, Gary's misbehaving and asks repeatedly for Jerald to come home from school. Poor guy!

"Back to school! Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool!
I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight,
I hope I don't get in a fight! Ohhhh, back to school! Back to school! Back to school!"
~Billy Madison

Game time~ who's up for playing?!

2008-08-12T21:51:00.000-05:00

Meeeeeeemories!

My friends Shalene, Shelice, and Gina all posted this on their pages and I have to copy-cat. It is fun playing and will be fun seeing WHO responds!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, if it is recent or years old, silly or serious -- anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

TEAM USA

2008-08-11T14:47:00.000-05:00

I love watching the Olympics~ it's our patriotic duty to cheer on our athletic ambassadors! Usually there is more excitement in some competitions than in others. BUT, thanks to last night's swimming competition and Team USA~ it was amazing to watch! The Frenchy-French team threw some smack down saying they were going to smash our US team. Boy did they eat thier words! The French were highly favored to win and thought they already had the glory of gold. NOT SO FAST French-fries! Here comes Team USA to the rescue!

Jason Lezak moved like he was born to do!

Congratulations to Michael Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and Jason Lezak for their GOLD medal victory!! Thank you for the show- it was amazing!! What pride Americans can feel in our Olympic stars!! What a wonderful tribute to their sacrifices, strength and determination!

Hey, did anyone notice that things changed when they added a "Cullen" to the swim team?!

And as Cindy point out- it does look as Michael Phleps has fangs!! And a well chiseled physique, only he's not pale enough!

Vacation...can't get my mind off of you

2008-08-09T22:09:00.000-05:00

Talent Belts as big as Texas... and Corn Hole??

2008-08-09T19:49:00.000-05:00

Last blog I hinted at my sister-in-heart Brandi's talents and boy does she have them! In addition to being an RN, she can add jill-of-all-trades to her talent belt also! She purchased a house that they have been working hard at flipping and have done a beautiful job so far. It has been an immense project and they have worked their booties off! They ended up having to gut EVERYTHING, floors, walls, and start from the bottom up with the shell of a house. When they bought this house they also acquired 200+ cats that they previous lady, a true crazy cat lady it seems, housed. (WHY?!!) The house stunk beyond measure as you might imagine. For all you PETA freaks, the cats have been properly taken care of and should all have new homes by now.

The front of the house complete with a new roof
Here is the kitchen, dinning room, side door entrance
Everything you see here, they did...even bought a matching cat
Bathroom
Another view of the bathroom

Brandi striking-a-pose (sorry guys, she is belongs to my brother and he is tough!)
Hallway towards front door
Some of their living room, complete with the video freak~ at least while we were there
Side view

They've worked so hard and it shows. Also, it doesn't smell at all~surprised huh?! Me too, further evidence of their hard work, not a smell of cat~ even the one they own! I know I have tooted Brandi's horn a lot and I am overlooking that my brother Rob has done quite a bit of the work along with her dad, Pat, and don't want to seem like I am giving all the credit to just her. I am very impressed with Rob's handiwork and a wee bit jealous as well. Imagine just being able to rip out the walls and floors in your home when you tire of them and do it all over again. After this they can now do that in any home they ever own from here on out. Oh...the fun I would have with that skill!!

On to corn hole...yeah, it's actually not some sick prison game that one might imagine when hearing those words (if it still has some sick suggestion to such a thing I don't want to know about it either~ so please DON'T enlighten me!). It's really big where they are and is a blast to play. Brandi made the boards we were playing on, adding another talent to her already big talent belt we've been discussing! If your corn bag makes it in the hole you get 3 points. If it lands on the board you only get 1 point and you also have to minus a point for every bag that lands on the ground. First team that scores 21 wins! It was fun and addictive trying to find the right throw style to land a 3-pt shot every time. Brandi even presented us with our own corn hole boards when we left. Watch out Germany~ the Swain's will take ya!

Bet you can't guess what NFL team they like!

The crew letting loose
They boys favorite part of visiting Rob & Brandi's house
Rob's new best friend
Here is their main coon cat, not even a year old yet, and he is huge! Guess he doesn't like his picture taken while napping though!

Lake Brookeville Funday!!

2008-08-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

I am behind on my posts and have not had a chance to blog our fun adventures in Indiana when we visited my family. We had such a blast and we are grateful that we were able to have the adventures and make the memories that we did! My brother Robert's girlfriend Brandi, who is not only beautiful but multi-talented also (you'll see why in my next post), borrowed one of her parents boats and a jet-ski that we took out to Lake Brookeville for some summer sun-fun! We had a blast boating, swimming, fishing, jet-skiing, tubing and spending time with Rob, Brandi, Grandma and & Rhiannon!

Jeremy showed Rhiannon how to operate the jet-ski and gave her a safety briefing upon arrival at the lake.

As if she needed the tutelage. She is a natural race car driver at heart, I swear! She had that jet-ski flying and rode it like she was born to, NO FEAR in true fast-n-furious style!

It took Rob & Brandi a while to convince Gary to sit on the tube. He isn't real crazy about the water, it always takes him a bit to conquer himself and then he loves it. Jeremy & Rhian in the background.

Brandi working on Gary's nerves while G-ma Fins, Rob and Rhiannon enjoying the coolness of the water. What a beautiful day it was!!
Jerald's turn to bond with daddy over the jet-ski's fast appeal and powerful motor.
Gary's turn to squeal with delight and yell "faster daddy!" over the jet-ski's ability to drive "crazy-fast" as the boys termed it.

How the boys really spent their time in the water~ hanging onto poor Rob & Brandi! Good thing their uncle & aunt are so good natured and great with kids.

Rhian getting ready...
Hold on Rhian!!

Rhiannon still cruising in the tube.
OUCH!!

Rob... isn't my brother so handsome?!!

Rob tubing.

Brandi's striking-a-pose.
Mom finally let Jeremy take her for a thrill ride jet-ski style. I guess she saw the rest of us lived through his driving and maybe she could too!
Brandi & Gary tubin'.
G-ma Fins turn.

Ugh. Trying to capture a pic of myself since I am always behind the viewfinder.
Gary's catch-n-release.
Jerald's version of a fish.
Brandi's the winner!! She was the only one that caught one big enough to keep.

Rob's fish.
Mom's fish. She actually did catch a fish that rivaled Brandi's but it broke the line, so all she earned was the right to tell her story about the fish the got away and how big it would have been!
Jeremy's fish that he had Gary reel in to save the embarrassment of having such a small catch, after all, Gary reeled it in, therefore it's his fish.
Jeremy showing off!
Sun-tacular view!
Jeremy
More sun-setting shots of Jeremy

My turn on the jet-ski, hard to see, but that small silver ball in the sky really is the moon. We enjoyed every minute of day-light we could steal out on the water, not loading up until almost 10 p.m.
Hard to see but all 4 of us are on the jet-ski together, Jeremy, Jerald, Gary and I, as our family rides off into the sunset!
We loved every minute of our beautiful day on the lake and cherish the memories made! Thank you Pat & Dar for letting us borrow the boat and jet-ski!

Thank you Rob & Brandi for our fun outing!!

Now you can see why it took sooo-o long to be able to find the time to upload all these pictures.

Sad to end the Bella & Edward drama...but it was good while it lasted!

2008-08-05T18:58:00.000-05:00

WOW!! Breaking Dawn is a really good conclusion for the Twilight series! What a dynamic she threw in! I don't want to spoil it for those of you who have not yet picked up these books because nothing ruins a good book like knowing how the ending arrives before you commence the reading. I do encourage you to read them if you have not~ they are worth the time! Not just some weird cult-classic in the making, although there are those kind of freaks out there for everything, but these books are that good! Pick one up today and let the magic draw you in, the books don't bite~ just the vamps!

Anyhoo, I enjoyed reading Breaking Dawn, bittersweet as it was knowing it's the last book. I was blown away by the twist of yet another turn in the Cullen legacy. I honestly was kind of disappointed at the lack of fighting, no bearing of muscles in my minds eye of Edward, Emmett, Jasper or Jacob! Guess I will just have to imagine an alternate ending tonight in my dreams! Ha!

I will end saying that I can't wait to devour Midnight Sun (because the first chapter is mesmerizing!!) to read more about EDWARD!! What a man he would be if only he were real, or a man! AND I am so-o looking forward to the new saga of Jacob & Renesmee!! She just has to!!! (Ok, maybe not, but I think it's a good idea!)

ALSO*** Twilight movie's release date set for December 12, 2008!! Even though the actor playing Edward is not my "ideal" Edward, it should be really good (OK~I'm hoping!!)!! To check out the clips they have teased us with click on:

http://www.twilightthemovie.com/

and click on "video gallery" on the left. The first two clips are teaser trailers, but the 3rd is a a 3minute+ clip of a scene from the movie.

10 Random Things About Moi...

2008-07-31T20:37:00.000-05:00

Erica tagged me and now I need to list 10 random things about myself...???

Hmmm.... Ummm.....

1. The 3 actors I think are soooo-o hot are Hugh Jackman, Vince Vaughn and Gerard Butler. They are super-de-duper hot! Anyone of them in a movie melts me like butter!! Who needs mega talent with looks like they've got. Jeremy knows all about my obsession, he has one of his own too~ Kate Beckinsale.

2. I think I am the only one NOT in love with any of the Jonas Brothers. I think they are a wonderful bunch of guys, great teeny-booper-type musicians, GREAT at helping causes like the SMA, which shows how big hearted they are. But, I like my men to look like men and they just don't do anything for me. But~ more power to the rest of you Jonas Brother-loving ladies! I hope that they continue to set the standard for others to follow and stay true to the value system they seem to have now. May hollywood and the lure of the mega-dollar not tarnish the "wholesome" and "goodness" traits that lack in so many of the "teen idols" out there today.

3. My favorite colors are leopard print and pink. But, if I find pink leopard print then even better!

4. I put the Divinyl's "I touch myself" song on my blog playlist to annoy my old high school B/F, Rachelle!! I am sure she remembers this song well, as I annoyed her with it in H.S. When this song first came out neither of us were crazy about it. But, as you know how the stupidest songs can get stuck in your head~ well this one stuck in my head one day and I kept humming it over & over. Rachelle, slightly annoyed, kept telling me to stop. Which only spurred me on more & more, day after day, week after week. (Actually, I don't think it was that bad~ maybe she'll remember better.) She now probably hates this song (and fake southern accents) with a passion. The fact that she is STILL my friend shows how compassionate she is, either that or when she use to tell me that my mom was paying her to be my friend~ she meant it! Oh well Rachelle! That song is a tribute to our H.S. days~ just without any sick touching going on!

**You can go to Rachelle's cooking blog and see how she has overcome the therapy I put her in and enjoy two of her talents~ Cooking & Photography! Click on "Mommy? I'm Hungry"
You can tell her I sent ya and just how sorry you are that she had to put up with me all these years!!**

OK...these are lame random things...but hey, so am I!

5. I don't like my face in the water. Lame~ Yes! And, because I don't like my face in the water I refuse to go in really deep water without a life jacket on. Lame-O!

6. Since we are on the subject of WATER...I don't like sharks. Yes, sharks. I have had a hard time going on another cruise because IF things go bad the sharks eat you (U.S.S. Indianapolis style) and the boat is right on top of the water. However, flying is ok! If we crash in a plane we are ALL going to die, and as long as I am dead I won't mind being fish food. Logic? Yeah, your right...there is none!! Besides, when we want to travel, flying will get me faster to the Bahamas and I don't have to eat all that buffet food and get the intestinal diseases or viruses that the ships pass around. I'll just inhale really stale, nasty air for a couple of hours, but I will be on the beach QUICKER!! Ridiculous... yes, but hey, this is MY BLOG~ WHAT WERE YOU EXPECTING WHEN IT SAYS 10 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME?!

7. I can't roller blade, water-ski, or ski on snow (although, I have only tried to roller blading and water skiing like 2X's and I have yet to physically try to ski, although if we go to Germany that will probably change). I just don't have the coordination or the self-confidence to keep me up on my feet. My butt must weigh more than the rest of me because it is where I land!

8. Secretly, I want plastic surgery... tummy tuck!!! 2 c-sections and some weight loss have left me with some yucky tummy stuff going on. I envy Tara because I wouldn't mind a nose job as well. I have a bulbous nose and a spot in the middle of the bridge of my nose that looks as if it has been broken several times when in fact I've never had a broken nose before, so hey why not get both done! Oh yeah, that money issue always rears it's ugly head!

9. I am not really into ANY television shows and haven't been for the past couple of years. I tried!! I tried to watch LOST, but that was how I felt and it really annoyed me more than intrigued me. I am so over American Idol and can only stomach the episodes that showcase the horrible singers who warrant the better reactions from the judges. 24 just didn't do anything for me~ maybe if the lead character played by Kiefer Sutherland had been cast by a dark haired hottie. Keifer does look better older though!

10. I LOVE THE TWILIGHT BOOKS!! I AM WAITING PATIENTLY(?) UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY TO BUY BREAKING DAWN!!! I heard of these books a long time ago but passed, I am just not into the whole vampire/werewolf scene. Then Robin told me about them and said they were actually pretty good and well written. Still, I passed. Then my little sis Rhiannon said she was reading them and loved them. While at my parents home in early July I picked up Twilight and told myself that I would just look through the 1st chapter, see what they hype was really all about. First page of the chapter I realized the main characters were high school age and almost put it down~ I don't want to read a book about high schoolers, I'm kinda over that. Still, I kept reading. I read the 3 books Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse in 3 days!! If you have avoided them as I had I can tell you they are really good. But that is for you to decide. I also want to publicly apologize to my hubby!! The times I have said Edward in my dreams was really my code word for "Jeremy". I swear!!

***In fact, any of you Corpus Christi-ians that want someone to tag along with to the Twilight parties I am desperately seeking someone(s) to go with! Just call me (@ Jeanie's), email me, or comment me and I'm there!!

All right!! There is the pathetic but random 10 things you really did not want to know, and wasted your time reading. Hee hee hee! Now I totally tag AUBREY, AIMEE, LIBBY, CHRISTY, MARY, MANDY, KIM (you can do it again), SHELICE, KATIE, JULIE AND ANYONE ELSE that is just jumping at the chance to embarrass themselves! Have fun! Can't wait to read yours!! Love ya'll!!

Miracles and 3 years without my hubby...is the Army on CRACK??!!!

2008-07-31T14:59:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, we received an e-mail stating that the family has been disapproved to go with Jeremy overseas to Germany. The reason given was that medical care is not available for the Exceptional Family Member (Jerald) and we would not be allowed to go. Jeremy still has a report date of Oct. 15 to Schweinfurt, Germany. I am NOT being kept from my hubby for 3 years~ THE ARMY CAN KISS MY BIG WHITE, FUZZY BEHIND!!! Jeremy e-mailed them and said he won't go without his family, but we all know how it is once they sign that dotted line. Jerald had hydrocephalus but had surgery a few years ago (3rd ventriculostomy, not a shunt) which went great and he has no other problems, he justs visits w/neurologists & neurosurgeons, cat-scans, MRI's and all, every so often to make sure that he is still doing great. But, his spinal fluids are all flowing and health wise is on target.
NOW THE SECOND HALF OF THE STORY~ We had an appointment with the neurologist in Atlanta in mid-May to check Jerald before we were leaving for overseas. This neurologist was freaking out b/c Jerald's cat-scans looked "horrible" to him, his ventricles were very enlarged, yet everything is still flowing~ no blockages at all. He could not believe that he was doing as good as he is, how is he even walking/talking, etc. He referred him to a neurosurgeon because he just felt that he "wasn't right". I knew that we would be going to Corpus Christi, where the neurosurgeon who performed all the surgeries on Jerald is located. I went the rounds with Tri-care to pay for the visit, since the military is already paying for the trip here. Long story short~ we came, we saw Jerald's old neurosurgeon and he pretty much said~ Why are you here? He looks great, his ventricles are much bigger than normal, but that will be his normal. Jerald is doing great and as far as this professional was concerned he is DONE w/the whole hydrocephalus and neurologist bit. No more cat scans, no more neurologists/surgeons. He said Jerald can play contact sports and is as normal as everyone else!! YEAH!!! I am grateful for such a wonderful miracle and praise be to our LORD!!! I am grateful for modern medicine and for a wonderful Neurosurgeon who performed this miracle on my son's behalf!!!!! YYYYYYEEEEEAAAAHHHH!!!!!! OK, shock is over, brain is registering what he is saying~ then there is NOTHING holding us back from joining Jeremy in Germany!! I asked him to put it in writing. Hopefully it is acceptable to the military and it all works in time! AND I can say that to see it in writing is just amazing!! All day long I have been pulling the memo out of the envelope and rereading it just to be sure I was not imagining it!! WHAT BLESSINGS FROM THE LORD!! THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER!!!!!!!

I'm stealing her...her parents can make another one!

2008-07-27T14:40:00.000-05:00

The latest on the Swain home front is that the packers came, they packed up our household goods, loaded them into their big old moving truck, put our goods into storage (??!!), we cleared housing and drove out of Dodge (Fort Benning, GA) and have arrived in Corpus Christi, TX.

We have not received our family orders yet. The orders we have say that Jeremy can move to Germany with his family, but we have to have special addendum orders to go with him. As a result our household goods are being held hostage in storage until the family orders arrive, then they will ship our stuff to Germany. Military life has its ups & downs, this one is a pain but there are worse tragedies in life. We just thought we would be smart shipping our stuff now so that it would arrive in Germany shortly after we would. So much for thinking ahead!

I will blog our adventures in Indiana as I have more time, especially now that I have access to a computer. We had a lot of fun while visiting and spending time with my parents, my brother, his girlfriend and my little sis, Rhiannon. We will miss them while we are overseas and are grateful for the fun memories!! We loved our time with them all~ Thank you!!

We arrived safely in Texas! Since we were pulling Jeremy's car, we made the trip a 2 day affair instead of the one really long drive we usually make. Jeremy will attend OBC all of August & September in San Antonio, just up the road from us. We are staying with my in-laws while Jeremy is gone and the boys are already having a blast catching up with their cousins. This little one is Berlin, Josh & Libby's little girl and she is divine! I have decided that I am stealing her when we leave, they can always make another, and this one is soo-o cute!!

I Was In Jewelry Heaven!!

2008-07-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

Every woman LOVES jewelry and I am NO exception. What I love more is finding jewelry at wonderful discount prices. My mom has a friend in her stake that sells jewelry for a discount ~ I was there. Ladies, it was heaven! So many boxes of jewelry, so little time!! I only saw a 1/4 of the amount of jewelry she has. Let me know if anything jumps out at ya~ I'd be willing to let some pieces go for a price! A DISCOUNTED price! These are just some fun pieces to enjoy and wear out & about while playing and some could be for dressier moments. Mainly this post is so Aimee & I can see what treasures we found since we were unable to go together. She'll post her treasures on her site.
This is everything I bought~ this time...
Here are my pretty browns...
white/blacks
Here is a close up of those earrings...
green and earth tones
blue tones...
greens
my red/brown CG (mom has the same one too)Now here's mom's collection...

her cool green crystal bracelet

Tag..your it! And other PAINFUL memories I've tried to repress.

2008-07-09T20:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, this is the first sit down time I have had to do this since Aimes tagged me....

TAG #2 THE MARRIAGE TAG
What is your Hubby's name? Jeremy
When is your anniversary? June 13, '97 (AND it was a FRIDAY the 13th!)
Where did you get married? Dallas, TX Temple
How did you meet? At church in Corpus Christi, TX, then I moved just 2 houses down from him
Who said I love you first? Jeremy...then I broke up with him...sad, I know
Who proposed and how? Well...we were out walking the neighborhood and he asked what it would take to get me to marry him. I answered that asking always helps. So he got on one knee and asked me to marry him
How long were you engaged? About 6 months~ way too-o long
What was the favorite part of your wedding day? hearing that we were sealed together for time & all eternity!
What would you change if you could? That we would have just married in the winter, closer to when he asked me. Then it would have been soooo-o much cooler in So. TX than JUNE and less trouble we would have gotten into
Wedding colors? Green and Creme, with a light touch of pink
Were you clean or messy when you cut your wedding cake? Clean, b/c I threatened him~ I told him to remember who he took home that night...me or the people egging him on to smear me!
Where did you go on your honeymoon? Our little tiny garage apartment in C.C., we went to Sea World w/Julie & Bryan for a day. HEY~ what do you expect...we could actually have sex without getting into trouble. There was no where else I wanted to be at that moment
How long have you been married now? 11 years
Who is smarter? Jeremy is education wise~ the whole Dr. thang
Who does the housework? Me, he only knows who to clean his gun
Who sleeps on the right? If you're facing the bed, then Jeremy sleeps on the right
Who pays the bills? Bills...your supposed to pay them?
Who cooks dinner? me...or we'd have steak every night
Who drives when you are together? Against my better judgement~ Jeremy
Who is more stubborn? Me and him, depends on what it is I guess
What is your favorite thing about him? I love how he is so thoughtful and can be really romantic when his gears get fired up
Who has more siblings? We both are the oldest of 5 siblings

TAG #3 SHARE FIVE WEIRDO THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF
#1. I wanted my brother Jason to be named "Herman" instead of Jason. Herman was my favorite character in a book at the time, he hung out with some bears, and I really believed that Jason needed to be named Herman. I was so mad at my mom when he came home from the hospital with the name Jason.
#2. Once I shook ketchup over an IHOP. Yes, that is probably more embarrassing. I went to shake the ketchup bottle before adding some to my hashbrowns, and the person before me did not close it all the way, and I chose not to check it. So, as you can imagine it rained ketchup through IHOP. I was saved some of the other patrons anger though, this was the only IHOP I have ever been to that had glass partitions between tables~ YEAH!! So it rained on me, Jeremy, the Eisenhauers, our table, food, etc.
#3. Once I left a beauty shop with a rat's tail (remember those from the 80's), I was in 5th grade and I did not ask for it. PLUS, we were getting ready to move to a new state. SO I had to go to the 6th grade with a dumb ass haircut as a starting impression.
#4. When I was 3 years old, Ray took me to the shopette on post, I kept telling him I had to go potty but he would not take me. SO I stood in one of those shopping baskets with the handles and dropped my drawers (in front of a big picture window) at the checkout counter and peed right there. He was so embarrassed that he just grabbed me, took off and didn't wait for his change.
#5. I was terrified of dogs since birth! I would scream and try to climb on whoever was the closest when I was younger. So to get over my phobia, as an adult I worked at a vet-clinic. During that time, I was bit by a lot of dogs and some cats~ including a wolf in the leg, but I can report I am over my fear of dogs.
Now, I tag these people: I don't know who or how many I'm supposed to tag, but I'll say, Mary, Courtney, Amanda, Andrea, and anyone else who is jumping to do one of these tags.