Next time EARPLUGS

Yesterday was Greg's 12th birthday. Since we did not go to CA this year like we do every year, I decided it was OK for Greg to have a party. I know he has been wanting to spend time playing with his friends. What better way to get to know the kids and the parents than a sleepover. Boy if I knew now what I knew then, I would have definitely gotten some earplugs. I got up three times to tell them to settle down and go to sleep. The last time was after 2 a.m. What was I thinking?? I was trying to be a good Mom and I hope he knows that. He had fun and was even disappointed when they went home this morning. Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

Here are some of our Christmas pics! Enjoy!

Happy 12th Birthday Greg!

Did I just say that? I guess I did. Happy Birthday son! I have watched you go from a beautiful little boy to a very handsome and smart young man. It seems just like yesterday that your Dad and I were rushing to the hospital because you were coming. I am so proud of you and all your accomplishments. You have worked so hard. Here is a picture of you when you were three months old. Have a great party! Love you!

Success!

I had the task of cooking our Christmas Eve dinner for my husband's family. I soaked the turkey in an Apple Spice brine. Turkey was really moist. I love to brine! I also made mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pecan pie, and for my father-in-law, a sugar-free banana pudding. Everyone loved the dinner.

My family and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Eat well, be jolly, be safe, and God bless!

Sorrow

There is never a worst feeling than knowing your not able to get your children barely anything for Christmas. This year has been extremely difficult for us. My husband has been laid off several times and has put us behind on ALL our bills. I am facing shut offs and much more. I know over all the economy has been horrible for everybody, but as a parent you want to make sure you can provide the best for your kids. Please pray for us to be lead the best possible way to provide for my children to make it through this holiday season.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Tomorrow would have been my father's 60th birthday. My heart is heavy. I have been in a deep depression since he passed away. I really loved my father even though we did not get a lot of time together.

Dad,

You were such an amazing father, husband, brother, uncle, and grandfather. You were an amazing Christian. I know early on it was difficult because of what you went through in the war, but God had other plans for our futures. It was a long difficult road, but what time we did have together I am grateful and am blessed to have had. Thank you for listening to all my rantings, my sorrows, and the joy that your grandchildren gave me. I am sure that God has wrapped you in his wings of love and joy. Happy Birthday Dad! I will see you again in Heaven.

Love always,

Your daughter

Sick Babies

I have two sick children. Greg was up all night vomiting and now is running a fever. Hailey has been sick for a couple of weeks now. We think we all have some sort of stomach bug. Please pray for us as well all are sick.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to take the time out to say "Happy Thanksgiving!" to all our family and friends! We have so much to be thankful for. We have our two wonderful. bright children, we have a nice roof over our head, we have the best family and friends anyone could ask for, and my husband has employment to where I can stay home to take care of our children. I will surely miss and be thinking of my dad. I am grateful that he is no longer in pain.

Have a safe, blessed and Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

Happy Veteran's Day!

As we on this day celebrate what our Veteran's have done for us, it takes me back to when Wes went to Iraq. I remember that I didn't watch any news. I didn't look at the news on the internet. And I could not bring myself to look at a newspaper. I kept my hopes on hearing from Wes by phone or email. And on this day I also am thinking of all the military spouses who are at home where some are dealing with household issues and car issues for the first time. I am grateful that I have that experience with me. It makes it easier to help another spouse that is dealing with a whirlwind of emotions and does not and cannot focus on our main goal. Getting them home.

To all the men and women, all my family and friends, my family and I Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for doing something many of us are scared to do. Fight for our country, fight for our freedom, fight for a better life for our children. You are our hero's. Without you, we would not be here today. For the families that lost their loved ones, we are truly sorry and extremely grateful for your loved ones dedication. You are our hero's.

Thank you!

Trick Or Treat!!

Here are the pics of the kids Trick Or Treating.

Flashlight Candy Night

Tuesday night Wes, the kids and I went to the City of Jacksonville Flashlight Candy Hunt. It was something Wes and I have never done before. The kids got to play games, get their faces painted, do a cake walk, and with the price of admission they got a slice of pizza and a soda. Then at 8pm the lights on the soccer field went out and all the flashlights came on and the kids ran onto the field to grab as much candy as possible. It was a little hectic, but the kids had fun. And because it was soooo cold that night we immediately came home to a new cup of Hot Chocolate! It was really neat.

Pumpkins, Indians and Soldiers Oh My!

Saturday we went to the Old Baker Farm. It is a farm that has been around for over 200 years and survived during the Civil War. The gentlemen that owns the farm currently is Mr. Earl Baker who just celebrated his 100th Birthday and year on that farm.

We had so much fun. There was so much to do. Right as we walked in we hit the corn maze. Greg led the way and got us lost twice. LOL After we emerged we headed straight for the Pumpkin Patch. On the way out we were lead by a tractor on the hay ride and as soon as we got there and as soon as Greg's feet hit the ground he was off to find the biggest pumpkin. So I went chasing after him. Staying a little behind was Dad and Hailey. Her first pick was a tall pumpkin but got to be a little much for her to carry, so after a few minutes dad found her a half orange and half green small pumpkin. I wanted to go the other way. After sinking in several places in the patch (it had rained the day before) I was off to find a white pumpkin. We got our fine choices and waited for our ride to pick us up. Lucky for us we got to have a mule drawn trailer to take us back. Greg and Hailey petted our nice ride. What was nice was that there was a church there that would load our pumpkins up and take them to the front gate to wait for us. Yeah!! We didn't have to worry about carrying them around all day.

When we got our pumpkins loaded up and shipped to the gate we walked over to where they were going to do a Civil War Reenactment later on that afternoon. So not only was this a fun trip, but an educational one as well! While we were waiting for the Reenactment we walked over to where the farm was and got to pet and see the farm animals. The kids' favorite was the horses. Greg found one that loves to have his ears rubbed.

After that we headed to pick cotton. Yes I did say cotton. They had a large cotton field and the kids actually got to pick off their own balls of cotton. Then we headed over to watch the Indian Dancers. No they didn't make it rain and thank goodness because we had had enough rain the day before. It was neat to see all that they could do and all the vibrant colors on their costumes. Then it was time for Hay Mountain. It was HUGE bails of hay stacked up to form a mountain. There was a little area they could slide down and the kids had a blast.

Last but not least it was over to the Reenactment. I have never seen a Reenactment before so it was neat for me to see. I am not much of a History person but this was neat to watch. The three cannons were enough of a reminder of what a painful time that must have been.

It was a long day but it was a great time that we had to bond. We plan to go back to the Old Baker Farm around Christmas to participate in their Christmas celebrations and cut a tree from their farm.

Trees All Fall Down

Yesterday we had some really high winds and they only got worse last night. The pictures are a result of what happened to our property. It missed my bedroom window buy about 10 feet. If the tree had fallen more to the left, it would have ended up through our back door into the kitchen. I thank God that it didn't hit the house and it was something that can be replaced easily.

Pumpkin Patch

Yesterday Hailey's class went on a field trip. They went to the Pumpkin Patch at the church near the school. There we got to see the different colors, sizes and textures of the Pumpkins. We also saw some very odd and cool looking gourds. They also came in different sizes, colors and shapes. Along with picking out their own Pumpkin, they were read a story, had a cookie and drank some Kool-aid. She had a blast! Here are some of the pictures. Enjoy!

Feeling Better

I am feeling much better today. Thank goodness! The kids have been home all week for their Fall Break and I have been sick all week. Luckily for me I didn't get as sick as the kids did. I guess the tea and rest worked. Yeah! I am hoping next week to get to go to the Pumpkin Patch. Since we have moved I really don't know how Halloween works around here. I am looking into safer options to Trick-O-Treating. Most churches do Carnivals or something along those lines and I would rather do that. I have come to learn we have a Sex Offender right down the road from us and I don't like that. I have found out though that if they give out candy or get dressed up for Halloween they will go to jail because its against the law for sex offenders to do that. Scary huh? That's why I am looking into safer options.

Changes of the Seasons

I can tell that fall is here. The leaves are turning wonderful oranges and reds. The days are getting shorter. You get a nice chill in the morning as you are trying to get the kids ready for school. You get to lite a fire in the fire place. Oh....and the kids bring home colds. The sneezing starts, followed by sore throats. If your lucky you get to keep your voice, if not that goes. Then here comes the most dreaded...the cough. I feel like I am sure most people feel right now, like they have been ran over by a semi truck. I have a slight fever and body aches. My throat feels like it is on fire. I have been drinking hot Lemon Tea with Honey to hopefully soothe my throat. This lovely little virus was given to me by my beloved little ones. Yeah me. Oh the joy of being a mom. I feel like a walking Zombie.

A Tribute to Sandy

I know it might seem silly to others, but a little over three years ago we came upon a orphaned baby squirrel. As an animal lover I was not about to just leave it to die. So I took her home to take care of this little thing. We named her Sandy. Like the squirrel off of Spongebob Squarepants. I hand fed her for 6 weeks until she was old enough to eat on her own. I held her and loved her. I protected her from the dogs when they wanted to get at her. We played and laughed. We squealed with joy when she found something facinating. Now today we are crying because we lost our dear loved one. Something happened to her Thursday night that left her hurt. She was not able to move her back legs and was breathing heavily. I tried as hard as I could to make her comfortable so she didn't suffer too much. It was not enough.

Sandy,

Thank you for coming into our lives. We so much enjoyed loving you. It breaks all our hearts that your gone. I am sure your looking down on us from the big tree in the sky. I am glad you are not suffering anymore my dear Sandy Bandy. We will miss you so much! Lots of love always!!

My Father, My Hero

On August 13th my Father was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer. On Aug. 20th he passed on. My heart is breaking. My Father and I have not had the best relationship. It was not until the last year and a half that we actually started to bond and really get to know each other. He was my Mom's High School sweetheart. He served his country in the Vietnam war and earned several medals for his bravery. Unfortunately that took a big toll on him mentally and physically. He came back a different man then the one my mom married. It was not long after that that they divorced. I really didn't get to realize that I had a biological father until I was about 11 years old. I knew in my heart that something was missing and I didn't feel like I was Daddy's Little Girl. I had always felt this void. But by then my Mom had remarried and the Father I got to know was actually my Step-father. He attempted on several occasions to get to know me but the timing was somehow off and I felt like he was going about trying to get to know me the wrong way. It wasn't until my son was born that we had started our healing process. It took years before I actually let my guard down to let him in and get to know me. I knew that after the kids were born that I could not stay upset. He had the right to get to know his grandchildren. I was not going to deny him that right. I am glad I got to know my Dad over the last couple of years. Even though I wish things had been different growing up, I knew my parents did the best they could in trying to raise my Brother and I.

Thank you Dad for letting me get to know you the last couple of years. I miss you so much and I am glad you are not in pain anymore. I know you struggled for so long. You may have been taken from this Earth, but I always know you are by my side and watching over your Grandchildren. I love you Dad.

Happy Birthday 7th Hailey Belle!!

Today my baby girl turned seven. Taking a look back seven years ago on a Friday at 12:36 a.m. little Miss Hailey Renae Portzer was born. I knew from the beginning I was having a girl. I felt it in my heart. I had just lost my grandma a few months before and although she already had great granddaughters, she wanted one from me. She called me her special K. So when I got pregnant a few months of her passing, I just knew it was her special gift. The day I had you, your brother couldn't wait to hold you, now he runs from you. Then you were into stuffed animals, teething rings, and things that make noise, OK, so except for the teething rings your still into those things. Although you will get these pictures when you are grown here is a little tribute to you.


It seems like yesterday that we were having your first birthday party. For the past few days we have been so busy working on the house getting it ready to go because we knew we had family and friends that were driving one to two hours to be here for you party. This year your into Bratz, very much into Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers. You love to get your nails and toes done and LOVE to wear make-up when/if your dad will let you, but you also like to play in the mud, play with the boys and your not afraid to get dirty.

Here are some of your pictures from yesterdays party. Mama and daddy are so proud of you! We love you so much!

Good Day, Bad Day

Today has had its ups and downs. It started out down with me having a really bad headache. I came downstairs to take some Motrin and my son left out our little floor vacuum, and I slipped and flopped on the floor, straining my right arm. I finally get done having a tiny meltdown, get the kids on the bus, take the Motrin because now I REALLY need it, and sit down with a cup of coffee.

A couple of hours later after answering some emails and taking care of some bills, I go into town to finish getting the stuff I need to finish the kids' bathroom. Finally figured out why the drawer pulls that I bought a couple days before were not working. So I got what I needed, headed back home, fixed what needed to be fixed, started to decorate on the walls. I so love how I free styled it. That's what I love about that shower curtain. It's not perfect. So as I am decorating, its also not perfect, so it matches. YEAH! I think I am so a rock star!

Then we had dinner, was starting to settle down for the day when my Step-mom called and said that my Dad was not doing well. He had been taken to the hospital by Ambulance that morning. The Dr.'s just diagnosed him with End Stage Lung Cancer. That they were hoping to go home tomorrow with Hospice. There is the kicker. Your dad is dying. Anyone who knows me knows that my dad and I didn't have a relationship, my Step-mom and I did. Any cards or presents I got, had her writing. Any calls, her. The child support checks, her. But for the last year and a half my dad has been the one trying to make that effort. We finally got things out in the open and cleared the air and we are just starting to get in a good place and I feel like there is more I want to say and do. I don't know if I will. What do I do? When I lost my Grandma, I was there religiously for two weeks before she died and I still feel like I didn't have enough time.

Double Time It!!

I haven't posted a blog on the home improvement side for awhile because it was getting tiring while we were trying to unpack. With family coming this weekend for my daughter's birthday we have been double timing it. I worked on the kids' bathroom some today. Here is with two coats of KILZ on, the new shower curtain, and one coat of the new paint. It's a teal to match the color in the shower curtain.

Weighing In

With a little help from my long lost sister, my Dr., and us moving, I have begun down the path of losing weight. During the move I lost 10 pounds in two weeks. Of course I was doing A LOT of lifting and twisting and turning and what not. But I begged my sister a couple of weeks ago knowing that she eats really healthy, if she would share some of her inexpensive secrets of some things that I could eat to help me lose some weight. I have started with some of the basic things. One of them is drinking more water. I have lost a couple of pounds and I am so excited. The other is that I talked to my pain management Dr. I have Fibromyalgia and I am on several medications that cause weight gain. He put me on something that is normally used for migraines, but is also used to manage weight lose as well. Cross your fingers. I was up all last night and all today. My metabolism definitely has speeded up.

Fixing Up The House

As I have previously stated, we just moved to a new house. On the outside its real pretty, but it has been challenging on the inside. We have had to put new seals on the toilets. Rebuild a kitchen cabinet. Lay down new flooring in the living room, kitchen, hall, and all three bedrooms. I have painted the kids' rooms and decorated. I have had things specifically made to go with their room. Hailey's room is BRATZ PIXIEZ. Greg's room is PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN. So for each of their doors, I have had signs made to personalize their space. My next task is to paint the kitchen and the kids' bathroom. Plus try to come up with space we don't have anymore. Which has proven to be difficult. Long days ahead....

Happy 4th of July!

Today was not a special day in the Portzer household. We just moved into a house coming from a trailer to be near my husband. He worked an hour away from where we were living to just being down the road. So here we are on such a special day for our nation, I am unpacking boxes, moving things around to accommodate the old things and trying to figure out where to put everything. If anything this has been one of the most hectic moves we have had. On top of everything else, we are trying to renovate because we are on a Rent To Own basis. We figure if we like where we are at, the kids do well in school, then we will buy the house and stay. We have friends up here and feel more comfortable up here.

I just want to say to all our men and women who are serving our country, Thank you! Because of you, we have today!