1-29-11

The quote I used on this picture is a quote from Grey's Anatomy.

I have many friends that I treasure and love.

Some that I've had since childhood and some that I met later in life.

When my friend, Brooke, and I met 9 years ago, teaching 2nd grade together,

we immediately clicked.

 I'm pretty sure we always know what the other one is thinking.

I could tell her anything, call her anytime, and know that she will be there for me no matter what.

And I'm pretty sure if I did do something as drastic as murder someone, she would help me dispose

of the body first, and then afterwards say, "So, what the hell happened?" LOL

She is my person. :)

1-28-11

These are pictures from our 2010 summer vacation at Lake Hope State Park.

Craig and I have been discussing our family vacation for 2011.

We have our old favorite places that we like to go, such as Lake Hope, King's Island, etc.,

but we are also curious about checking out some new places.

Anybody have any ideas of not too far away places that you enjoy going

with lots of fun, cheap, family friendly activities?

1-27-11

I've been battling my weight for quite a few years now. I've started back to Weight Watchers, 

along with doing a Weight Loss Challenge competition at work.

After weigh in this week, I've lost 9 and 1/2 pounds in the past 2 weeks!

I'm really determined to meet my goal this year!!!

This is my "before" summer picture from our vacation in 2010. 

I'm hoping to replace it with a new bathing suit and a new body, 

with no wrap around towel necessary this summer in 2011.

Wish me luck! :)

1-26-11

Tater is the member of our family that hasn't been featured on the blog yet.

He is such a great dog, and brings a lot of joy and love to our household. 

1-25-11

This is my little ballerina getting ready to go to dance with her new tutu bag.

She's such a cutie! :)

1-24-11

I ordered Craig this guitar strap for his birthday.

It took a little while longer to arrive than expected, and just came today.

He is a big Pink Floyd / David Gilmour fan.

This strap is a copy of the original Jimi Hendrix strap that Gilmour now wears.

I ordered it from Englad from the man who actually did restoration work on the original strap, and

who does handmade leather straps and clothing for many big name guitarists. 

It was pricey, but it's great quality, and my musician was very excited to receive it! 

I think I earned some brownie points for this gift, even though it took a while to arrive! :)

1-23-11

The girls and I went to visit little baby Jersey today.

They all enjoyed holding her. She is such a cutie! 

The girls also had a great time playing with Jaycee.

They can't wait for another playdate!

1-22-11

Mady and Lily got new tutu bags to carry their ballet shoes/sweater/etc. to class.

This is the use Mady has found for her bag.......

1-21-11

I'm gonna regret this, I'm sure.....

but - between seeing my friend Billie so happy with her de-cluttering process

and with the stress and chaos that goes along with clutter and disorganization,

I have decided that I need to take the first step to making our lives more simple and organized 

in the Shiplett Home.

This is the first project that I'm tackling tomorrow - the laundry room, AKA the "just-throw-it-in-there" room.

Whenever I come across something that doesn't fit somebody or is the wrong "season", I throw it up on that top shelf. Yea, attractive, I know. And, under all of those clothes that were once folded, until the kids came and "sorted" through what is there to find something to wear, is a table. The floor underneath all this is just as cluttered and crazy!

My picture tomorrow (or maybe Sunday) is going to be the laundry room clean and organized. 

If I commit to it on the blog, then I have to get it done, right............? ugh

1-20-11

Drew received his acceptance letter from the Ohio State University today!

He has been set on their architecture program for a while now, and was anxiously waiting to hear from them.

I'm very proud of him and know that he will do great things! 

Oh, the places he'll go...... :)

1-19-11

The really fun thing about having so many girls in our house is that a tea party can just pop up in the middle of the week, and all of the sudden we are all dressed up, making toasts, and speaking in British accents. 

Here's to girls, flowers, butterflies, and tea parties! Cheers!

1-18-11

Craig got a bass for Christmas last year. .

The journey started out with me cringing at hearing the same 2 or 3 songs played over and over and over...

but now, I really enjoying hearing him play - he's worked up to a nice selection of music,

and he sounds great!

It's kinda cool to be married to a musician. :)

1-17-11

If I were able to meet one individual from history, it would be

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I have so much respect and admiration for him. 

I share this love for Dr. King's ideas with my children, 

and always hope that they will judge others not by what they see on the outside, 

but by what they see on the inside. 

I want them to live life with peace, love, and hope in their hearts. 

I'm very proud to say that I see this in them daily.

They are very tolerant, open-minded, accepting individuals.

Above their grades, their ability to complete chores, their athletic talents, or

any of that other stuff we want our kids to be good at,

I want them to be good at being good human beings, 

and in my opinion, they excel at it!

1-16-11

Tonight Drew had friends over to celebrate his birthday.

Two big birthdays in two weeks - I'm physically and emotionally exhausted, but....

I'm very proud of the wonderful children that I'm watching develop into wonderful adults. 

1-15-11

Saturday, I met up with two of my good friends, Marilyn and Missy.

We talked about what life has brought for our families since we saw each other last. 

We ate, drank, and solved each other's problems within an evening. 

Who needs therapy when you have good friends?

1-14-11

Friday was records day at school, and Jess brought her precious new little girl, Jersey, to meet everyone.

Everyone knows that I LOVE babies. 

I would be content to hold them all day everyday!

Children bring color to our lives, and love to our hearts. 

Welcome to the world Jersey Girl.

1-13-11

My baby boy turned 18 today. 

His laugh and his smile still melt my heart.

He is definitely my sonshine. :)

1-12-11

We had a great Snow Day today! The day starting out with us getting plenty of rest!

We've all been passing around cold symptoms for weeks! 

After that we had fun making cookies

And playing board games

 

 

Notice that Mady is even reading as we play board games,

I tell ya, that girl always has her nose in a book!

Also notice that Miss Organization has all of her blocks lined up just so, 

while Mady and I have ours in a heap in front of us.

 

 

And of course, we caught up on some of our favorite shows.

And I got in a lot of picnik time

It was a great day! 

THERE'S NO DAY LIKE A SNOW DAY!!!

1-11-11

My 2 little look-alikes being silly.

1-10-11

Drew is doing great on the guitar that he got last Christmas. 

He and Craig have a little garage band called Sock Monkey 

(I picked the name- cool, huh?)

1-9-11

This is what you will find Mady doing most of the time, especially during the Winter. 

She's my little bookworm. :)

1-8-11

Kate has some friends over to help her celebrate her 21st birthday tonight. 

These are a few pictures of the people who are spending the night. :)

1-7-11

This is a cool picture Lauryn took outside. I would never think to take photos like this,

I love her artistic take on things.

1-6-11

I love handmade gifts! Mady made me a potholder, and it looks great hanging on the stove! :)

1-5-11

My little toothless wonder.

She looks so funny with that one big tooth hangin out, just waiting for the other front tooth to come along.

Haha!

1-4-11

This lovely can of soda represents the 36 cans that I have drank since the new year began. That's right, 36!!! 

I have an addiction to diet soda, and I am determined to get control of it! 

I'm working to decrease to 3 cans a day for the time being, and then work my way down from there. 

Wish me Luck!

1-3-11

My little Lily was not feeling well today. She had a fever and sore throat. We spent most of the day snuggling together on the couch and watching Nick Jr. I hate it when the kids are sick, but love

being able to devote some cuddle time to make it all better.

1-2-11

My little girl turned 21 today. I thought it was going to be a very difficult day emotionally, and it was, 

but I was so happy that Katelyn's boyfriend, Mark, was able to stay with us over the weekend. 

He brought a lot of fun to our house, and seeing the smile that he puts on my girl's face makes me smile too.

1-1-11

Mady received a Science Sink for Christmas, and we had a lot of fun making Slime together. I love those moments when I have the opportunity to have really great conversation and a lot of fun with the kids, especially when we can get some one-on-one time in.