We are what we are...

Family Pictures Taken, Finally

2011-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Last month a really good friend of mine and our family were finally able to get together and have our family picture updated. Our last picture was taken when Whitney was 18 months old. So we were due! Here is the product of all our efforts. I really like the new pictures, I think we all clean up pretty well! Thanks Chrissy for taking our picture, you do great work and hopefully we can do this again!

Fun with our Family: October 2011

2011-11-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

In October we were so blessed to have family come and visit us. Since Des Moines is sort'a in the middle Bill and Amanda just had to come "up" and Charlie and Evelyn and Mom just came "over". We tried to have a plan and fill our time with loads of activities, and I think it worked. The cousins played so great! It was a lot of fun to see them get together and find out what kind of plays we would see this time around. And I must say the kids did not disappoint! It was just so much fun to sit back and watch them do what kids can do best. And that is use their wonderful imaginations! We got to see them play on the trampoline, and Uncle Charlie even got in on that action!!!

The weather was perfect which made going outside so much fun! Hi Joe!!!

Of course without a fence in our backyard we all kind'a had to be on our toes to kids little ones in the yard! Thanks Grandma for all you do, it was so much fun to have you come!

Our neighbor even let us borrow some bikes so everyone could have a ride! Thanks!

Remember I was talking about their creative imaginations??? Check out these bloody noses, done of course with lip gloss! All part of the play!

They loved the sleeping arrangements!!! Perfect for a movie and then just go to bed!

It was a non stop party for two days!!!

Here the whole troup got to go to the soccer game! Once again such great weather for kite flying and soccer ball playing!

Olivia even got to play with her all star cousin Kelsey! What a neat experience to play together!

Whitney was also chosen MVP for her team!

Then we got to celebrate Pappa Ross' birthday by sending him our love on balloons! A great family tradition!

It was a very windy day! But all our love got sent on it's way (I should have been a poet or a Hallmark card writer...)

I kind'a thought I should edit Whitney out of this picture, but when you gotta go....

Happy Birthday Pappa!!!

This was everyone after our super busy Sat. Sorry but I didn't have pictures of the pool party, but it was a lot of fun too!!!
This was the kiddos before the bigger kids got to go out to dinner. Grandma and Audrey managed the fort and said everyone pretty much tuckered out after the movie! Thanks Grandma and Audrey for letting us big kids go out to play, we had a great time at dinner!

Some Arkansas Time

2011-06-26T17:24:00.000-07:00

In May we were fortunate enough to visit some family in the great State of Arkansas. Bill and Amanda were so nice to let us Iowa Ross' invade their space and enjoy their lovely home. We had such a wonderful time and the kids enjoyed seeing each as well. Aunt Amanda had the great idea as to provide crafts for the girls. So they came away with, as Whitney calls it, decorated flip flops.

The weather was nice, but as you can tell, these girlies look a little pooped...

Sleeping arrangements were cozy, but these cousins couldn't have been happier!

Makeovers and hair were important processes that needed done daily...

We took a hike on Sunday and enjoyed the great outdoors and even saw some wild life...

Camping was even in the cards, except Allie and Amanda still enjoyed their indoor creature comforts

Thanks so much Amanda, Bill, Kelsey, Riley, and Brendley, we really enjoyed our trip and hope to see you all again in the near future!

Fun time with our cousins

2011-06-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

We were so lucky to have Joe and Samantha come and visit us for a few days. It has become our summer tradition. We tried to pack in as much fun as we could in the few days they were here. Water park, state captitol, water balloons, and doughnuts. (Can't forget bowling and snow cones) It is always a fun time to have them come and spend time with us! Thanks Joe and Sam (and Charlie and Evelyn)

2011-06-12T14:57:00.000-07:00

It's great to be Mom...

2011-05-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

It is great to be a Mom. I always knew that someday I would love to be a mom. I can say that I never really had any back-up plan if that didn't happen for me. I went to college, and studied, but everything I learned in those classes I just thought about how I would apply this to being a Mother.
Now I have three wonderful daughters who are bright and unique. I love them to pieces and sometimes find that I should calm my mothering to them at times. Like after swim practice, I'm the only mother in the locker room still helping them. And I've finally taken the hint from Audrey, when she says, just wait right here and we'll be out in a little bit. Yikes, she is getting so independent...
But I love them and I'm so thankful for all the wonderful women in my life, my mother, mother-in-law, grandmothers, sisters, and aunts, and cousins, who I've always looked up too and have been wonderful examples to me of what a mother does and how a mother acts.
Happy Mother's Day!

Piano Recital

2011-05-22T19:15:00.000-07:00

Audrey and Olivia recently had the opportunity to perform in their Spring piano recital.
They did an absolutely fantastic job. I even got in the action a little bit, by performing in a duet with Olivia. I am so proud of them and can't wait to find out what the future holds for these two lovely girls. Oh, and please excuse our video quality, we haven't quite figured out all this technology stuff yet. Without further adieu....

Better late than never...

2011-05-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well I must say, I did it... I haven't posted in about a whole year. I knew I could do it, way to go...
As much as I would like to put a positive spin on it, I just can't erase the fact that I have been completely a-wall in the blog department. But thankfully I have my great little conscience, kind'a like a Jimmie Cricket type, but a little bigger, who occasionally whispers to me and says, when are you going to put something on the blog. Or, I sure do miss our blog. And in fact when I logged on again today to see the sorry state of affairs, I missed my blog too!
It was so wonderful to see some of my old posts and gaze in wonderment at how big my kids are now. I re-read about some of our trips and it was fun reading things that I had forgotten. So I must say, blogs are a good thing. And I will try my best to preserve a history for my children and their children the best I can. There, I've said it, now I must go and do...
So don't give up on us, we are still in Iowa. Although sadly, not Dubuquers anymore, but we've taken up residence in the wonderful town of West Des Moines, that is west of Des Moines. We been here since July 2010 and have enjoyed this new chapter in our lives. So here you have it, we may have been down but not out....

Recent Happenings

2009-11-21T13:59:00.001-08:00

It has been a while since my last post, I guess I'm about "a once a monther" But here are a few pictures of some recent happening. Audrey's birthday was at the beginning of November, she turned nine and then of course here are a few Halloween pictures. Audrey as batgirl, Olivia was Spider queen and Whitney was a dear cuddly Tiger. Much love to all!! Hope you enjoy

Perm pictures

2009-10-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the permed hair. Funny now Olivia will say she wants it back to normal. She's crazy...

Have a Happy Halloween

2009-10-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

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Bad things happen in threes and it's Permanant!

2009-10-04T07:13:00.000-07:00

It has been forever since my last post. Not sure what happen, the girls are back in school and I'm also in school. I'm a teacher assistant in Whitney's preschool. Although we aren't in the same class. We catch up for lunch and recess.
But I just wanted to write about the past couple of days because when I think about it I could either laugh or cry. So I thinking writing could be kind'a therapuetic. (Not sure I spelled that write, so don't judge me)
To begin with Wayne and I have been wanted to sell our do something with our old van. We held onto it not sure that maybe we might need it (that is another story completely) But it has come in handy in moving things outand whatnot, well last Wednesday Wayne was driving and cleaning up this apartment that we rent downtown, he got into a little accident. Now the headlight on the passenger side is busted and paint in chipped and there is a very noticable dent in the front and it leaks some kind of fluid. Thank goodness Wayne was unharmed. Now we might just have to junk the van, when I was hopeing we might be able to help someone out with it.
Next, so our computer in broken. As we speak I'm using Wayne's work laptop. But I'm worried sick over my pictures and everything else that I had on it. No word yet from the repair place, but hopefully all will be well. We will see.
And finally, yesterday unbeknowest to myself Wayne's cell was in his pants pocket, that went directly to the washing machine after the service project he did with the girls. We were both pretty glum about this one. He has over 500 contacts on it and is expecting so very important calls on Monday, yikes, what to doooo! Luckily he did find his contract and he did purchase protection-so we will see what Monday brings at the Sprint store.

Now on to what I've really been wanting to write about. On Friday the girls just had a half day. Well, earlier in the week I was curling the girls hair and Olivia was not happy about it. The reason she wasn't happy was because she asked this question. "Mom how long will these curls last?" and I said "Well they will probably fall out by the end of the day" In which she immediately burst into tears, I don't want them to go away.... Mom, "Well honey the only way curls will stay in your hair is if you get a perm, do you want one of those? "Yes"
Well we have a hair school here in town and my friend one time told me that she took her daughter there. They do a good job and it's cheaper. In my mind, I actually did want to try this for one of my girls. I remember perms as a child, and I thought perms have changed alot since then.
So back to the half day on Friday, Capri college had an opening, 1:00. Great, told Olivia, excitment!!! A perm, wow!
Well this was my first time to Capri, very busy place, lots of students and people getting different treatments, nails, hair, makeup... I took all the girls, Audrey, Olivia, and Whitney. So much for them to see as well.
The gal doing Olivia was so nice, she already had all her perm points and loved doing perms. She assured me Olivia was probably not to young and if she wanted one than we should be alright. Let's get started...
Wrapping. She wrapped Olivia's hair in a way that I had never seen. Her head was piled high with pink and white rollers. She said her head was so heavy. But she did great considering it took 2 hours to roll the hair. And at some point two people were rolling, Audrey, "are they done yet" Mom, "Patience, and have you seen Whitney" Whitney, "Mom I want more skittles" )(Thanks goodness for the quarter machines) "Audrey, will you check the parking meter". It was crazy!!!
Alright we are ready for the perm. Great I thought the hard part is over...
Take this towel and hold it over your eyes. This is all bringing back so many memories of perms in the past. "Mom!!! Why does this stink!!!!" I totally forgot about the stink, perms stink and burn your eyes.
Now it you are not aware of Olivia personality, I'm not sure I can explain how the rest of this went. She just can get excited and upset very quickly. So we held her head, wetted the towel and kept saying just five more minutes. After it was over I so felt like I had just helped her to give birth. It's okay! You're doing great!
After it was over. Water was all over floor. She needed new clothes because hers were all wet. So she got a new Capri t-shirt. And all the college instructor ladies kept coming saying you poor girl, but your hair looks gorgeous!!!
So after all this Olivia now has curly hair of which I will post a picture later. Audrey says I want one, but only after my hair is longer and I want bigger rods,yada yada, yada, and when Olivia is asked if she will ever do a perm again she says, only when I'm 103. All this just to look like Taylor Swift!

The Ross Whoo's went to the zoo...

2009-08-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few more pictures from our Colorado adventure. While traveling through from Denver to Pueblo we had an opportunity to visit some good friends in the Colorado Springs area. They were so wonderful and showed us a great time. On our one day together we went to Chyenne Mountain Zoo. Such a neat place. It is actually on the side of a mountain. The girls saw lots of animals and enjoyed a nice ski lift ride to the top. Enjoy the pictures...

All aboard, getting ready to ride the train..
Willibe wallaby, waudrey and elephant sat on Audrey, enjoying the baby Wallaby..
Yeah, they said that is just a baby Grizzle bear...

You see all kinds at the zoo...

Every kind of monkey...

from the little to the big...

Here's a view of the lift that take you to the top. Aaron and Sarah are up there with their family. Thanks so much for the great time in Colorado Springs...

We really enjoyed our stay with your family. Thanks so much for having us and making so many memories...

We loved the giraffes...

BERMUDA!

2009-06-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

So, the day actually did come where we left on our trip. June 3, 2009 has been a day that we were anticipating since the wintry cold of March. Now that it has come and went, we are just stunned that we've had this experience. Bermuda is just one of those places you never think about, really. You hear the name and just kinda lump it together with all those other Caribbean islands. But we learned real fast that the locals will tell you this isn't the Caribbean, the Caribbean is 8 hours south from here. And the people of Bermuda are so sweet. You would think they would have the right to stick their noses up at all these tourist coming on their island, but they don't. One night Wayne and I went to the local market, we were talking to our checker and she asked us where we were staying. We told her and she knew all these people who worked there. You really do get the small town feeling, everyone knows everybody. I mean the whole island is only 23 miles long, so when we asked our helpful concierge if we could walk to the market, he just kinda laughed and said you can walk to anywhere in Bermuda. Although after having driven on some of the streets, I definitely wouldn't recommend walking near any roads. A view from the airplane as we were coming in to Bermuda.
I love that even before you find the beaches you can see that the water is BLUE .

Here's a photo of the hotel, PINK is the country's national color... or it should be

Wayne enjoyed taking a picture of the fish, they were pretty big.

This is Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda's premier beach, it was beautiful. Mark Twain use to say, " You can go to Heaven if you want, I'd rather stay in Bermuda"

The Lone Ranger had Silver and Wayne Ross got, THUNDER I'm just so happy that he even wanted to go horseback riding. Although he's not the one who ended up saddle sore after the ride. Got to learn that secret...

Bermuda is owned by Britain and if your at this spot at the right time you could get served your fill of Tea

Yes, Mark Twain is one of Bermuda most famous guests. It was rumored that he stayed at our hotel at one time, but he wasn't very helpful with directions...

We loved the beach! It just looks like pool water out there. Except there were Portuguese Man of Wars floating out there, not so safe... Wayne said he started to get good at finding them on the water... Allie didn't even get started. She just took her leisurely strolls along the beach soaking it all in.

The sand is truly PINK, (this photo doesn't really do it justice, maybe because my legs are also pink)

Poor Wayne had a bad headache this day and still endured just laying on the beach, because this is BERMUDA

And finally, this arch is found all over in Bermuda, our taxi driver said it is called a "Moongate" and if you stand inside one and make a wish all your dreams will come true. So my wish is that Wayne can win this vacation next year ;-) But I am so proud of his amazing accomplishment. He has truly done some wonderful things in his life and I feel so blessed just to be along for the ride.

Hello, it's me again

2009-05-27T08:03:00.001-07:00

This was just one of the most unusual pictures. I think when I let the girls take a few this is some of what I got back. Usually I delete them, but this one I'm gonna keep. Well, I finally updated the blog, Wayne's been wanting this done for a while so, hope you all enjoy. Our family is doing well and will be taking off on Friday for a well deserved vacation. The girls are excited because they think it's cool to leave before school is actually out. Normally they would be in till the 8th. Sooo enjoy the update!

Quikie but goody

2009-05-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

Well, we decided for Memorial weekend that we would try some camping. This Ray Stevens song comes to mind every time I think of the word "camping" , I digress, but you should listen to it sometime. Anyways we couldn't stay for the whole weekend, just Friday to Saturday. The girls loved it. We drove to Scott County park on Friday and lucked out. They don't accept reservations, first come first served. Well they were pretty full when we got there. But the place we got was a dream. Number 41 if you are ever in the area, nice.

Friday night we just sat around the campfire with marshmallows. Then on Saturday we got up had a great breakfast and hiked a little bit. After that we headed to the pool. The weather was beautiful, but we left with more than our fair share of bug bites. Enjoy the pictures of our "quikie but goody"

Hold really still and maybe they won't bite, but Wayne just might take a picture...

Olivia, "This is a little higher now that I'm standing on it, maybe not this time Dad..." (but Audrey didn't seem to have any problem)

Cheese, it was hard to get a whole family shot, not to many were braving the woods, just too many gnats!! But Scott County is beautiful... there's golfing, horseback riding, biking, swimming, and hiking.

Our campsite, we had a few neighbors from Maquoketa. They had a dog named, "Chewy" that Olivia and Whitney just loved.

Have I mentioned there were bugs...

Yum, Yum breakfast, Wayne is in his element when he cooks by the fire. I thought these eggs were so beautiful...

Here's the pancakes, the one of the left is Daffy Duck, in case you couldn't tell, I'm not sure but I believe the other one is Mickey... (there's also a picture of the bacon that I didn't download, but it was sooo unbelieveable good, Wayne and I couldn't help ourselves, so our diets didn't survive the weekend much)

What a guy, it is so cool to see a man cooking your breakfast, couldn't ask for anything more. Thanks honey for a great weekend!!!!

She thought this up all by herself, so we had to get a picture, if you can't tell she made a marshmallow weight, and it was a little heavy...

Happy Memorial day! Wayne and his girls...with the hatchet, he was teaching them some of his woodsman skills...

Red Wing

2009-05-27T06:52:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we had the pleasure of driving to Red Wing, Minnesota to watch Wayne's brother Andrew graduate from Southeast Minnesota. Grandma came along and we had a lovely time. The drive was beautiful and Red Wing was gorgeous. Andy showed us around his school and where he does all his work and then we drove around Red Wing. It was all really interesting and a lot of fun. He is now able to do instrument repair on all band instruments. Now he is off in a few weeks to the Big Apple. We wish him all the best and hope that the move goes smooth!!! Here are a few highlights of the graduation!!

Andy and a few of his friends that he went to school with and met while in Minnesota. Hopefully we will get to meet some of them again!
A couple of cuties who got to take their picture with another cutie, thanks Uncle "Candy"
Proud Mom with her newly graduated son. Happy Day! I am smart...er

Proud big brother, Wayne and Andy

HaPpY BiRtHdAy WHitNeY!!!

2009-04-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Whitney's third birthday! Where have the last three years gone, it's amazing. But Whitney is such an important part of our family. She makes us laugh and she is always so quick to show and give her love in return. On Sunday she was able to celebrate with all our close family. I want to thank them so much for coming up! So Happy Birthday Whitney!

Rock concert

2009-03-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Well, not much going on right now, except for the fact that I want to fulfill a life long dream. The dream is to go to a rock concert. Wayne looked at me a little strangely went I announced this last week. He probably thought that I wasn't acting rationally. So he didn't get "on board" Possibly because in his youth he was able to fulfill that certain need. When we play guitar hero he always will, "Oh yeah I went to that concert" or whatever.
So I found a concert that I thought was worth going to, The Killers. All right the name is kind'a strange. Wayne hadn't really heard a lot of their stuff, so again he kind'a gave me this glazed over look and didn't really say much. I made him listen to some of their stuff and he thought it was okay-but the concert was in Milwaukee and it was on a Thursday night, so again doesn't really work out in the family life style, can a Mother truely feel good about dumping the kids and skipping town on a school night.
So them my wonderful walking buddy Heather calls today and says U2... September... Chicago!!! And I was really excited, because this whole fascination of mine to actually go to a rock concert started one time when I lived in Utah and a couple of friends of mine were going to see them in SLC and tickets were like 75 dollars. And me being the poor student couldn't go. Not that I was crushed by it, I just thought, man I want to do that sometime, when 75 dollars wouldn't mean anything.
So like that U2 concert was about 10 years and with the inflation and this (according to some website) is the best live music show ever. Can anyone guess how much one ticket, normal ticket would be? I hope the price I saw isn't the right one.

Miz Hepburn

2009-02-28T21:03:00.000-08:00

For Audrey school music show she needed to be someone from the movies. So this is who she decided she wanted to be...

Mayakoba

2009-02-18T12:47:00.000-08:00

Well, okay, so I'm a little giddy right now. But we won't know till next month if Wayne will win this trip. But I love watching this video and thinking, yeah I could enjoy going to Mexico. I've never been outside the USA. Soo anyways, I'm just going to enjoy thinking about it some more. I'm so tired of winter!

http://www.westproductions.com/mayakoba/movie/ENG/fairmont_ENG.html

Fireproof

2009-02-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if very many have heard about this movie. It came to Dubuque and now it is out on video. Wayne and I rented it the other night and enjoyed it's message. It's probably not produced by the Hollywood elites, because those people don't really endorse marrage ( in my opinion) but here is the trailor and it shows a little bit of what the movie is about.

Tagged

2009-01-25T16:02:00.000-08:00

Thanks Lori, this was actually kind of a hard one!

Five things I was doing 10 years ago
1. Just graduated in December
2. Recovering from a bout of shingles
3. Living with my most wonderful friends Jamie, Cami, and Jenna in Provo.
4. Breaking up with Hyrum
5. Getting reading to start my job in Pleasant Grove and driving the "smurf mobile"

Five things on my to do list
1. Email Olivia's teacher
2. Fix the kids some dinner
3. Watch the end of Wurthering Heights tonight with Wayne
4. Organize my stuff in the basement
5. Exercise

Five of my favorite snack foods
1. Chocolate (Prefered method a snickers bar)
2. Ice Cream
3. Chocolate Chip cookies
4. Chips and Salsa
5. Combos

Five things I would do if I were a billionaire
1. Pay off debt and house
2. Put aside money for the kids-an inheritance
3. Go on a very nice vacation-travel (Greece, Italy, Australia, Hawaii, Caribbean)
4. Help all my parents retire early
5. Start an scholorship fund or a trust

Okay I will tag Heather B, Evelyn, Laura W, Erika, Robin

The New Year and all!

2009-01-04T19:30:00.001-08:00

I'm so sorry that I haven't blogged about us in a while. It just seems like since Thanksgiving my life went into hyper drive and I haven't slowed down since. Although we really did have an awesome holiday season. We were able to see several members of our families that we haven't seen in a really long time, and a few friends also. We truly feel blessed to have been able to visit with everyone once again!

So as I enter into the New Year, my husband keeps admonishing me to set some goals and here are just a few that I have for 2009

1. Wake up by 5:30 (a.m.)

2. Take a Spanish class

3. Read more includes scriptures and other things that interest me

4. Use my planner! (or just get a good one)

So there it is, I typed them and now I hope to live them. Wayne always says if you don't write down your goals, they are just dreams.
Well now on to other items. Since I just didn't make it this year in the Christmas card department I thought that I might highlight a little bit about each member of the family and somethings that have happened to each of us this past year! Here it goes:

Wayne: Many of you know that Wayne took on a new hobby, hunting. Now he has hunted several times before this year, but this year the "fever" hit. I'm really glad that this is something he enjoys and hope that he will for years to come. Also Wayne got to go to NY for work this year and do some camera work for Pfizer. Maybe someday we all might see him in a Commercial promoted some kind of new drug that will solve all your problems. Another highlight for Wayne was our family trip to Florida and Disney! And of course he's still an avid BYU cougar fan!
Audrey: Audrey became a baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS. All of her Grandparents and a few Aunts and Uncles were on hand for here special occasion. Audrey also is doing very well in school. She was tested this fall in 2nd grade and was placed in higher level Math and Reading groups. She also started piano this fall and loves practicing.
Olivia: Thought Disney World was the best and cannot wait to go back. More of her highlights include that she passed another year of swimming lessons, she started soccer and piano. She also now rides the school bus home with Audrey as she started Kindergarten this fall. So Olivia has enjoyed a year of a lot of firsts!
Whitney: Loves life! She enjoys going with her mom to Mops and playing with her friends at Friday playgroup and Monday library. Her vocabulary is growing each day and she loves to watch Diego!
Allie: Is enjoying all "busy ness" that her family has to offer. This year some new things happening were, going to the soccer field twice during the week instead of once, taking Mitt to the vet right before summer vacation (he's worth his weight in gold now), and watching it snow more and more, and more (Jan -March). But that one day on the Florida beach has whetted her appetite for more beach and ocean!

Merry Christmas from the Iowa Ross Family!

2008-12-22T13:37:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!!

Into the Wilds with Wayne

2008-12-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

Here is Wayne explaining his latest hobby. He's so adoreable,(Wayne, not the deer) and yes this deer in on our back deck awaiting a chance to become new decor in our house. Yikes! My vote is for the garage!

My cards.

2008-11-13T11:47:00.000-08:00

Here are my cards for card swap tonight. I'm usually not too proud of my cards. But I thought these turned out cute. At least they are done.

Buried photos

2008-11-13T11:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I forget what photos are on my camera. Here are a few good one that I think some of you might enjoy!
This hasn't happened since she was a baby. For Halloween, a couple of "Tricksters" came and TP'd the house or as Audrey coined the phrase...
they "toilet trashed" us! Do you see the little forks in the yard?
If not here's one. To tell you the truth I thought the forks were suppose to go in the yard the other way!

Olivia and Whitney love Mr Morris's yard, he really knows how to decorate for Halloween!
Ready for the Trunk or Treat

Happy Birthday Audrey!

2008-11-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

On November 3 Audrey turned 8 years old. This is such an important age. She will become baptized later this month. We are so proud of her! She was also lucky enough to celebrate with her friends at skate country. Here's a few highlights

What does it all mean?

2008-11-05T17:08:00.000-08:00

Here's a recent clip from Glenn Beck. I thought that it was very interesting!

What our Country needs

2008-11-03T10:17:00.001-08:00

. Today I had one of my greatest experiences. Someone showed me kindness. It wasn't flashy or weird, it was just nice and good. Well, I was at Sam's this morning finishing my shopping with Whitney and like we sometimes do, we ate lunch at the little cafe that is right in the front. I just ordered a hotdog, slice of pizza and a drink. So Whitney and I was having lunch and like I usually do, I didn't pick up any napkins, and like what usually happens when a two year old attempts to eat a hotdog, she got ketsup on her face and hands. My thoughts were I will just get some napkins when I get up to go we weren't doing too bad. Well, there was this man, in a suit in line. He had ordered his food after us and was waiting. He must have noticed that we were in need of napkins. So I didn't see him do this, but he went over and got some napkins and layed them on our table. My back was turned to him and I had been helping Whitney take her bites. So when I turned around to look in front of me on the table was, Napkins! And I looked up to see him sit down and just smile. It wasn't weird and I didn't feel like I was being hit on-it was just nice. I kind'a felt like I was on that commercial you see where all these people are doing nice things for everyone and it kind goes around in a circle. Then the pay-it-forward movie came to mind and then President Hinckley's words came to mind where he admonished all of us to be a little better-be a little more kinder.
And that is where I want to go with this post. I'm well aware of this election tomorrow-it's not a pretty election. I'm not really satisfied with either canidate, and I very scared for our future as a great country. I'm worried about Prop. 8 in California, I'm worried that whoever gets elected President won't value it. America is a great place-we have so many freedoms that other places just don't. I'm am frustrated though with some things here in America. Like our schools. But I don't want to really go down that list. But what I've come to realize is that government is not really our solution to fixing anything. There are a lot of politicans out there with good ideas, and some that don't have good ideas. But ultimately the only thing that is going to save our families and everyone is following the Savior and his example. So by saying that, I only hope that I can see a need of someone, just like the man in Sam's today and strive to be little more kinder.

Harvest Happenings

2008-10-29T10:08:00.001-07:00

Here's a few photos of all that's been happening lately. The girls and I made a spooky haunted cookie castle that they couldn't wait to devour... Whitney was able to go to the pumpkin patch where she fell in love with a couple of Billy Goats...
The Haunted spooky cookie castle up close and personal, take a bite if you dare...
Wayne took all the girls and their friend Sydney to a music concert put on by the local Symphany. They were able to dress in costumes and also touch and check out the instruments.
Here is Audrey, the beautiful pirate, she kind'a looks like she knows what she's doing...

Here's the pretty witch Olivia cheesing for the camera as she holds on to her cello, Wayne said he was kind'a nervous to take them all for this concert, but they had a marvelous time and I'm sooo proud that he took them...
Here's the kitty cat Whitney holding a violin, maybe someday we could have the Ross Family trio, someday...
Didn't I already mentioned the love affair she had with the Billy goats...
Here's the spooky clan getting ready to hit the road for their fun day at the symphany...
New Vocabulary "Corn sand"-Olivia Ross

Here is Whitney in the corn sand with her friend Kalani. This was also on our Pumpkin Patch day adventure. They sure did have a lot of fun things for the kids...
The pumpkin patch was a little chilly that day, here's Whitney hugging a pumpkin and trying to stay warm...
Sneak preview, today Whitney let me have a little bit of fun and dress her up in her Halloween costume. We had fun painting her face and taking a few early pictures...
Now I must quit this blogging stuff and attend to the demands of my house. Laundry never sleeps. Hope everyone has a very Happy and safe Halloween!!!

Bankrupt Toothfairy!

2008-10-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

The girls are losing teeth left and right. Last week Audrey lost her 7th tooth at school and then last night Miss Olivia lost her very first one (with the second one ready to go any day now)!! Yikes, so the tooth fairy has been quite busy at our house. Does anyone know what she does with all of her teeth, the girls have asked us that question so many times.

Chocolate, Caramel, and Mud

2008-10-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Okay so last Saturday we had one of those rare moments in our house where like four of the five of us were all sitting on our love seat. You know the chair in your home that is usually designated for only two people. Anyways we were just playing and being silly with each other. During this time I commented to Audrey how much I loved her eyes and that they reminded me of the color of Chocolate. Then I turned to Olivia and said that her eyes, being a different shade of brown, reminded me of the color of caramel. A little while later Audrey piped up and said, "And Dad's eyes are the color of Mud." Poor Dad, he's so outnumbered

Abracadabra!!!

2008-10-19T17:40:00.000-07:00

This past week I was at church one evening and Wayne was home with the girls. While I was gone they came up with this cute "Magic Show". They really had a good time. So now for you entertainment and enjoyment here is "Audrey the Famous" and her assistant Olivia the "musican". (Applause is greatly appreciated!)

Picture tag

2008-10-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

I thought this looked kind'a fun, and you can get to know people better in the process Here's how it works: For each question, look up the answer on Google image search. Then choose your favorite image from the FIRST PAGE OF RESULTS ONLY. So-- Enjoy getting to know me better. Now I tag- Jamie, Evelyn, Erika, Robin, Heather, Lori, and Hilary
PS this does take some time! Have fun!

Name

Grandmother's name How old are you?
Past Love
What are you doing right now?
Favorite object:
Where do you live?
>
Where did you go to college?

Where do you want to go?
Favorite place you've been
Bab Habit:
Favorite animal

Favorite Food

First job
Where were you born?
Nickname(s)

Riding in Style

2008-10-11T12:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Wayne was able to really work with Olivia and got her to ride her two wheeler without the training wheels. She's gotten really good, so here's a sample of her accomplishment!

Happy Birthday Evelyn!

2008-09-30T08:12:00.001-07:00

Happy, Happy, Birthday Evelyn dear, Happy Days will come to you all year, It we had one wish than it would be, a Happy, Happy Birthday to you from me!!!
We hope that you have a very a Happy Birthday! We love you so much and wish you all the best on your very special Day!!! XOXOXO from all of us!!!

Three free BYU football t-shirts? Yes, please.

2008-09-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Three free BYU football t-shirts? Yes, please.

Mitt

2008-09-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos of the quietest member of the family. Last Aug when my parents were out they brought us-Mitt. Although some of us in the family are not quite sure we like the name. Audrey and I still want to change it to Max. But I guess since he got his rabies shot under Mitt and it is recorded at the vet office as such it has to stay. By the way any suggestions on how I can get him to do a better job using his litter box?

New Project

2008-09-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

The girls just recently started piano lessons. So to help them carry and hold onto their lesson books I recently made them these cute totes. I had not quilted or sewn anything all summer and was really excited to get back into a new project.

Think Fall

2008-09-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

We bought a fat
orange pumpkin,
The plumpest sort
they sell.
We neatly scooped
the inside out
And only left
the shell
We carved a funny
funny-face
Of silly shape
and size,
A pointy nose,
a jagged mouth
And two enormous eyes.
We set it in a window
And we put
a candle in,
Then lit it up for all to see
Our jack-o-lantern grin.
-Jack Prelutsky

Sea Monsters

2008-09-17T19:04:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a very long one for me. My DH needed to go to Detroit for some meetings. He left on Thursday evening. So it was me and the girls home for the weekend. I can't remember what happened on Friday night. Must not have been too eventful. The girls are usually tired after school all day. So I'm pretty sure I just put them to bed and then indulged in my lastest past time of catching up with "Jon and Kate plus 8". I love DVR! Now I know that this show has been on for a while. But I'm addicted. I think they have such a cute family. And I just can't even imagine what it would be like to have 8 children six of whom are only 4 years old. Yikes! Anyways, where was I...

Oh I remember, so that was Friday. Saturday dawned wet and drizzly (our portion of Hurricane Ike) The girls also dawned quite early and I remember asking them "why" it was Saturday? No school, they like to act like they want to sleep in during the week, why not today? Nevertheless, Olivia got herself completely dressed, (again this is not typical weekly behavior) So we got breakfast together and watched it rain, *twiddling our tumbs* what to do. Audrey said lets go see a movie. Great suggestion, my girls love movies and well they have a Mom who does too. Much to our dismay not one single movie has been released lately to the "G rated" crowd. (Audrey's answer, I want to Mamma Mia, we've been listening to ABBA lately, but didn't want to explain about 3 Dads.) But I did notice that Madison had an IMAX theater and then I remembered that Davenport also has an IMAX theater. I'd never been to one of those, the movie at the one in Davenport was called "Sea Monsters" So I told the girls and they seemed excited especially that it would be 3-D. So we get down there and have lunch and then head over in the rain to the IMAX. Turns out there was a children's musuem attached that we could go to. It was fun to see on a rainy day. They have a real life mummy, (that was funny.) Then we go to see our movie. Has dinosaurs in it and other animals that are extinct now (this is really National Geographic-ish). Well the movie was only 44 min long and the 3-D was so cool. The girls liked it, especially Audrey. It was fun to see the fish swimming around you or at you (or so it appears) there are some intense parts for a 2 and 5 year old. But Olivia was heard to say in the theater "Mom I just take my glasses off for those" and Whitney would just hug my arm. After the movie ended Whitney left the theater saying "Funny Fish" I'm not sure about her thinking maybe I scarred her psyche.

>After our movie we ended our trip by stopping at the mall to get a Whitey's and then we captured our "girls day out" by getting our picture taken at one of those picture booths you see at every mall (we had a hard time figuring it out and then we did it again) I told the girls we would give it to Daddy so he could always remember us and we could always remember our trip to see the "Sea Monsters

Refuse Medical Care?

2008-09-10T16:57:00.001-07:00

If I am a patient, not a new patient, an existing patient. Can my doctor refuse to refill my presciptions? This is all stemming from a bill that my insurance has taken FOREVER to pay. But they are late and payment is coming according to them. However this doctor's office just sent me the meanest note. They will do the above mentioned and cancel any scheduled appointments, and refuse to discuss any problems. I am a customer and I don't think this is very good customer service. Am I wrong?

Happy Birthday Emilie!!!

2008-09-06T05:27:00.000-07:00

Yeah today is my sister Emilie's birthday!! We really hope that she has a good one. She is truely one of the greatest people in the world, the "do anything for ya she could type of person". I really miss her and hope that she has a great day!! You deserve to have a super, treat yourself like royalty kind of day!! We love you!!! ( I know you just love this pic, remember all the fun!)

Happy Birthday Amanda!!

2008-09-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Hey Amanda, we just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday, I know that it was on the second and that it happens to be a very important birthday! ( The start of a new decade) Anyways, we hope that your doing well and we hope Bill is nice and took some time for just you on your special day!! Happy Birthday!!

First of Many!

2008-08-27T08:34:00.001-07:00

Yesterday the girls started school. This was Olivia's first day ever!! She is starting Kindergarten. They were both very excited. We miss them at home, Whitney has asked several times where they are, already. But they both came home happy and tired and full of stories to share. Here are a few snap shots of the day. They aren't in any kind of order, but just enjoy! Getting a picture by the School sign. We are the Hoover Hornets!

Here is the bus they ride home on.
I love that Audrey felt ok about holding Olivia's hand and making sure she made it back to the car. I doubt she'll do this forever, but it was so adorable.

Just a picture of their school.

First big day of Kindergarten.
Our big second grader!
Audrey lining up with her class. The gal in front is her teacher-Mrs. Noll-Schueler.
Mom, Whitney, and Olivia in her line with her class. (I walked her to her line again today and she informed me that she wants to do it all by herself.) I think I just need to do it for myself. Oh and I suprised myself and didn't cry. Yeah for me, but talking to my friend Nicole she mentioned that maybe it's because I still have Whitney. Maybe
Here is Olivia and her teacher, Mrs. Uthe. When Olivia came home yesterday Mrs. Uthe had sent the parents something that was thanking us for sharing our children with her and it was a card that had a tea bag inside for us to have. Olivia thought the tea was for her and she doesn't like tea. So I assured her she didn't have to drink it and that I wasn't going to drink it either we would just save it and put it in her scrapbook. But the card almost made me cry!

Happy first day of Kindergarten!! Olivia with her bookbag and lunch bag.

We are so excited we hardly slept at all last night. The first of many!

End of Summer Highlights

2008-08-24T20:46:00.001-07:00

Here are some of our end of summer highlights. I can hardly believe that school is starting and the season is getting ready to change. I love fall-but sometimes have a hard time with change. We've had a really good summer. This last weekend I really wanted to soak up a lot of time with the kids. So on Saturday Wayne took some time for just us. We drove to Coralville and went swimming at a water park. This one was really cool because it had a fun place for Whitney to run around. But it also had some really awesome slides. I wish that I had pictures to share. But this one slide we ended up nicknaming the "toilet bowl". It was this long closed slide that shot you out in the funnel where you went around and around and then you just fell out the bottom into a pool. Audrey was scared at first, but it only took her going down once and then she loved it! While there we were also able to find a Sonic. And just so Evelyn knows, I love the "Cranilla Craze" at Sonic (even though they don't call it that) I got one after she told me what it was. They are so good, I've even gotten so good I make them at home, because Dubuque is Sonic-less Just Sprite, Cranberry juice, and Vanilla Syrup, (I found mine in the coffee isle at Hyvee and I believe you might find some at Starbucks) My new favorite summer drink and I think Audrey likes it to, along with Orange Slushies

Then today I found that I still had some items on my summer to do list with the kids and that was to take them all out to play tennis. Audrey had gotten a racket for Christmas and it never got used all summer. So we found a court and they all got to hit with Mom chasing down tennis balls till their hearts content. Olivia and Whitney burned out early, but Audrey would have stayed longer had everyone wanted too. Lots of fun! Well enjoy some of the pictures below.

Whitney and Terry on "Latte". Terry was in a horseshow and the girls and I came along to watch.
Audrey's Soccer team, what else-The purple people eaters!
Audrey and Latte, she was scared at first, but eventually got the hang of being up there.
Olivia and Latte, she really thought she could ride and wanted them to give her the reigns so she could take off. She's not afraid of anything!
That's my dear hubby being one of the boys. Wayne had the honor of going with the YM on their "High Adventure" and paintball was high on the activities list for the weekend! Yep, I had to get up there too! I use to really love horses, I guess I still do!
Some of the soldiers who put themselves in harms way everyday, no wait those are the boys that all went to play paintball. What a great group of guys, don't they look good!
Olivia's soccer team! The purple Cheeta's (Olivia's name for them)
Lots of love for Uncle Andy. Andy now resides in Minnesota! I wonder if he will talk like (menen-SOTA)

A couple of sillys in pajamas!

Okay, I know...

2008-08-19T20:38:00.001-07:00

I know, you are all probably really tired of not seeing that my blog hasn't changed. I even have some great pictures of the girls on horses. But we can't seem to locate our camera, but when we do, I'll get them up. So stay tuned.

I've Been Tagged

2008-08-05T14:33:00.000-07:00

My cousin Lori just tagged me and I would like to thank her and here it goes:
How To Play This Game of Tag:Post these rules on your blog. List: 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 facts about yourself.
Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog!
3 Joys:
1. My children bring me so much joy, they make me laugh the most, and I delight in everything they do, think, or say
2 My husband-not saying that we always have it easy, but I would have to say that nobody understands me better sometimes-even when I'm crazy and just weird he says he understands and I believe he does.
3. My friends and family-I'm so thankful for all my relationships-it is hard to manage them sometimes and I regret not being better, but when I get email or phone calls from anyone it brings me a lot of joy.
3. Fears:
1. That something will happen to someone I love in my family or friends (accidents)
2. Not having my food storage good enough-not being prepared for disasters
3. Money
3 Goals:
1. (this one was hard because I don't think I have to many, that's terrible) To continue to always be learning something new
2. Read
3. Learn to develop a good sense of inner peace.
3 Obsessions:
1. Movies
2. Facebook
3. "Dancing with the stars"
3 Facts about myself:
1. I love to hike and enjoy that feeling you get after you get going for a while when you feel like you can do anything.
2.I want to travel, anywhere (top three would be Italy, Greece and Australia-Indonisa maybe-and South America...) didn't I say anywhere?
3. I can recite my ABC's backwards, just ask

Okay now I tag Monica, Robin, Hilary, and Erika

Summer Fun!!!

2008-08-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Summer fun in the crystal lake caves, for the library reading program the girls got passes to go to some nearby caves. In this one part, it is called the chapel, apparently some weddings have been performed in this very spot. We went there with our friends, Ryan, Rebecca, and Rachel Kilburg
Everyone stuck their hand out for a "Cave Kiss" Some places were pretty narrow, we all followed our guide.

Stay Tuned

2008-08-01T14:13:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking that my blog needs a facelift. It has been a while and I'm tired of floral. Plus, the season is changing-I guess not technically till Sept- but it is in my heart already. Today I took the girls school shopping. I have the best girls in the world. Audrey is my rock, she is quiet and observing, she is excited for school and can't wait to show her sis the ropes. The only thing she said she really wanted was a new pair of sissors. Ones that have a soft grip. Her old ones were made of plastic. Olivia begged and begged for a dress today. I told her we should be looking for school clothes and that she already had a lot of dresses. Then she said, "but mom this will be my picture taking dress". Smart kid, had to get the picture taking dress. But I stopped her when she said, she needed picture taking shoes. She's a hoot. And poor Whitney the only thing she got was diapers. She tried to sneak a Scooby Doo lunch bag in at Target. But Mom got sneaky and took it out before we hit the register. Well now I'm off for my sleepover tonight. Since this is the tax holiday in Iowa (no sales tax on clothes) My friend Rachel and I want to shop at places more exciting than Dubuque. Not that DBQ is terrible, we just know that other places are better. So we are headed to IC and some outlet malls in Williamsburg. We taking off tonight, so that we can get a head start. Tut Tut for now.

1,2,3, Kick...

2008-07-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday Olivia was finally able to finish a soccer game. Here are some highlights from the evening. It really was quite chilly!

Like Sands through the hour glass...

2008-07-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm not really one to just pontificate on and on. But today was just a weird day. Before I knew it, it was 3:00 in the afternoon and I just couldn't believe it and now that I look at the clock, wow it's 11:10. Where did my day go? I had a great productive morning. Got to visit with my great friend, Robin , who by the way is moving to Fort Dodge. Hello Robin!!! Thank goodness for blogs, we check each others, so it will be nice to have that way of keeping in touch. It's always nice to go over and say "Hey, I read on your blog,so and so and such and such" But I really wish them the best on their new endeavors in Fort Dodge.
Well after Robin left, then my husband took off for the wilds of youth conference. He was soooo excited (LOL). And then it was like my day went into Fast Forward. I was suppose to have a couple of things happen, but they just fell through, baby sit and piano lesson. Aimee came over to drop off some things for a baby shower I'm having on Sat and we chatted for a moment. It was good to see her, they were leaving tomorrow for WV. I cleaned the house a little bit more, getting stuff ready for Sat. Before I knew it, it was 3:00 in the afternoon and I never put Whitney down for a nap. But she seemed okay with it. So I pressed on, called my mom and sister which I needed to because, I have not talked with them in a while. So I assured them both that I was still alive and we were good. Mom told me that they have a "Fairy Ring" growing in their yard (which is rare and a picture in the paper might be coming) Abbie is good and is going to enroll her youngest in preschool, wise choice, I think, and all is good there, I really enjoyed my conversations with them.
Then I needed to make dinner and find Olivia's shin guards for her much anticipated soccer game. Dinner got out of the oven just in time for me to pack it up and take to the soccer fields to enjoy as we watch Olivia in her much anticipated return to soccer. (Last two games rained out, something about Thursdays) Get to the soccer fields under ominous black sky. Parents, coaches, kids determined to play... practice kicking goals 20 mins... set up chair, pull out dinner... Audrey, "Mom I want cotton candy"... Mom,"eat your dinner first"...sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle... everyone line up let's play ball... "LIGHTNING"... soccer game cancelled and now I have one very sad Olivia.
Well afterwards, the girls went to my friend Shelley's house to play with the guinea pig and her girls. While Allie and Shelley went to dinner (Shelley's girls are 10 and 12 and Shelley's husband was also hijacked by youth conference so it was okay, and I just noticed that I was speaking of myself in the third person and that usually really bothers me when other people do that. Anyways went out to dinner had good food and good conversation, then came back to Shelley's house and got sucked into playing the Wii, I really like those games. So far she has hooked me on guitar hero and dance dance revolution (DDR for those of you who are in the know) Tonight we got into, In the Band, this game has guitar, drums and vocals, which I thought was soooo cool. Because we all know what an awesome voice I have, (LOL) I have not heard of a lot of the different songs and I'm not really a rocker, but it was sure fun to try. Left a little bit later and forgot to pick up some dishes from Aimee's because it was just too late and I didn't want to ring her door bell at 10:00 at night. Now I know, she knows, I'm a flake. So to those of you who will be seeing her at the Hartman reunion tell her I'm sorry, it just got too late. And besides she needed to sleep because it will be a long drive for her tomorrow. Well like I said, I'm not really one to go on and on, but I guess these were just some things that needed to be said, now I should go to bed because tomorrow is another day and I really don't want it slip by like today did.

An Accent???

2008-07-12T19:59:00.000-07:00

I know that when I go home sometimes I find myself speaking in a different tongue (Robin heard it). But I found this quiz...there must be a quiz for everything, I was fairly suprised by the outcome.

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
The Inland North
The South
Philadelphia
North Central
The Northeast
The West
Boston
http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_american_accent_do_you_have">What American accent do you have? http://www.gotoquiz.com/">Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

"I almost died!"

2008-07-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our canoe trip down the Trough. We had a very good time even though it rained and rained. But as Audrey was writing a letter to her cousin Joe to let him know what she's been up to I reminded her of our canoe trip. That was when she said, "Yeah and I almost died" . We were always wondering what she thought, she didn't say much in the canoe, but I guess now we know.
Adam caught two fish, um how many did team Ross catch... zero
Stopping for lunch
If you click on this picture you might be able to see the eagle.
I thought that this was a very pretty picture of the beginning of the Trough.
Another picture of the trough.

Dad and Adam

Wayne was the one who actually knew how to canoe.
The whole crew, see the rain drops in the river...
Miss Aimee

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-03T12:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note here to wish everyone a Happy 4th!!! We are enjoying our time with my family in West Virginia. Tomorrow is going to be a fun time canoeing. My Dad was able to get us all hooked up to go on a canoe trip down the "Trough". So hopfully I will be able to get some pictures to blog for a later post. Although, I am a little apprehensive about taking my camera, so I hope all goes well.

As we speak my sister is pulling my hair through a cap and applying hightlights. She keeps apologizing for the pain, but I am thankful she is taking the time to help me in my constant battle to be beautiful, (well pretty at least for my hubby). So anyways I've have been wanting the highlights for a while, so this is a great thing.

Well, again happy 4th, I wish you all lots of watermelon and make sure to light a sparkler or two for your kiddies.

Prima Ballerina

2008-06-21T10:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Olivia!

2008-06-20T20:55:00.001-07:00

Today is Olivia's 5th birthday! Here are a few shots with her cake and presents!!

Grandview Gallop

2008-06-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I did something that I haven't ever done in my life time. I ran a road race on Sat. I'm not sure what got into me but two weeks ago I saw where they were having this race. Wayne was the first to mention it and I thought yeah, but I want to do it too. Well it turned out that Wayne wasn't actually able to run, even though we paid his entry fee. So I just went by myself, which made me a little nervous. Anyways it was a four mile race, little longer than a 5K. I will post the site so if you are curious you can see how I did. Just so you know you may have to scroll down a ways. http://www.thonline.com/grandviewgallop/
Anyways I know that some of you have called and wondered how we are doing with the floods. Dubuque is acutually doing quite well. Some flooding but our downtown is good. Wayne says it's because Dubuquers got smart after some flood that happended in the 60's and built a dike as long as the city. So we are good. But my heart does go out to those who aren't as fortunate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Waterloo. There are going to be some heavy losses to those communities. Having come through a flood in 1985 that really devastated my home of Franklin, West Virginia. I understand when people say they don't have water to drink or even to wash their clothes. I understand the power being off for weeks (we didn't have power for the whole month of Nov '85) I remember walking into my grandparents home and seeing mud up to my knees. Today in church we had a few families visiting because they are displaced right now. One young man told me that he thought his house wasn't good because they only live a block from the Cedar River. I was speechless. I am so thankful for my all my many blessings, one the blessing of where I've come from, the other of where I am today.

Recent Pictures

2008-06-06T07:23:00.001-07:00

Here are the girls soccer pictures and a new updated picture of Whitney. Funny story, so we've had our printer, fax, scan machine for about 2 years. And this was the very first time I have ever scanned anything. And it was so easy!!! (Hope that you like Whitney's pictures, not so excited about them, but I think they really captured her personality!) Enjoy!

The Girls

2008-06-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

Reflections of Christ

2008-05-29T14:29:00.001-07:00

My mom sent me this video. It is so beautiful and I love the music. These are also pictures, not paintings
es

Twilight update!

2008-05-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

I just found the trailer for this movie that I am excited about. Release date Decemeber 12, 2008
Twilight in HD

Preschool Birthday

2008-05-27T07:21:00.001-07:00

Since Olivia's birthday is in the summer. We decided to celebrate on May 20 so she could enjoy it with some of her friends at her preschool. It was also pajama day which ended up being a nice bonus. Here are some pictures of her special day!

Whitney was even able to come and help celebrate. Love the Chocolate mustache! Olivia's preschool friends. L-R Clayton, Conner, Olivia, Whitney, Amanda, Ryan, and Jordan Carter.

Here is some video of them singing "Happy Birthday" Olivia's teacher is Mrs. Unmacht.

A Day for Mother's

2008-05-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

I'm so behind the times, but I was downloading pictures from the camera and I came across this video of the girls. My dear husband caught a little bit of action on Mother's day when he and the girls made me some scruptious cookies.

YEAH!!!

2008-05-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

I've never ever voted nor even watched American Idol before season 7, but I really was so happy that David Cook won, I voted several times for him on Tue. Wayne is an Archie fan he thinks Cook is flat when he sings. I just think that Cook is very talented and so enjoyed all the songs he sang in the different arrangements ie "Billie Jean". Archie also is very talented and I enjoyed him singing "Apologize". He is good and I'm sure he will have a great career as well, But Cook Rocks!

A little fishy!

2008-05-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

You Are Ariel!

Headstrong and fiesty. You have a mind of your own that's full of romantic dreams about the world around you. Exploring exotic places is your ultimate dream, and although you can be a little naive you'll realize that there is something to be gained from your family's wisdom.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

Sense or Sensiblity

2008-05-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

Take the Quiz here!

Gardens, Soccer, and Cowboys

2008-05-18T14:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings and Hello! It has been sometime since I have just been able to sit down and write a few thoughts. I'm so thankful for the beautiful weather we have now. The wind is still somewhat brisk, but I was able to wear sandals to church, so I was very happy not to have to slip on a pair of hose or tights. I was called to teach Sunday school to the teen agers in our ward, probably 3 months ago. I thought I was really going to miss my RS calling (teacher). But I have found that I love this new one. My kids are sooooo good and just as of late I've been given the chance to team teach with Jennifer B. and we have truely been having a great time in class. I feel like I shouldn't tell anyone that or they might say, "well we better get her another calling" But I really have been having a good time.

Audrey only has 11 days left of school and I can't wait. It will be so fun to have her home this summer. I hope that we can go to the pool and have alot of fun. On Tues. she wants to audition for a little play. I hope she does well. But it should be a neat experience. The play is Alice in Wonderland. She was telling her Dad that she is a little nervous to audition because she doesn't know what they might throw at her. I have no idea where she heard that!

Olivia got her soccer uniform yesterday, and so it begins. I'm very excited for her to start, but yesterday when we were practicing in the yard she had a hard time accepting the fact that Audrey beat her in kicking the goals. So I think it is good she is competitive, but I feel anxious that she isn't a gracious loser and that she can't find more enjoyment with it. And also she said she doesn't like to run because it makes her tired. But that is why we are on this earth to have all these different kinds of experiences. So goo purple team (that is her uniform color)

Whitney is still trying to manage the English language. New words include He-Man (as she raises her arm in the air) and my friend Terry and her family taught her to say "O my gosh" with both hands on her cheeks.

Speaking of Terry, we had a wonderful day yesterday. Terry is graciously letting we help with her garden and giving me some of the spoils. Yesterday we planted 30 tomato plants, 24 broccoli , 2 rows of corn and 5 rows of beans. She even let me run the tiller and dig some of the holes. I love planting and gardening, it was fun but it made me so tired last evening. So Wayne ended up going to rodeo with just Audrey and Olivia last evening. They had a blast and loved seeing the animals and cowboys. I think their favorite part was watching the goats get tied up. At first I thought they mistaken that it was really calves. But Wayne assured me that it was goats. They really didn't talk a whole lot about the bull riding, just the goats.

Wayne felt manly yesterday in that he finally got a riding lawn mower (not a new one, but a John Deere) He was so happy to be able to mow that back yard with it. Heck I will even mow the back yard with it now.

Who?

2008-05-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

This is the funniest thing!! Here is Whitney's new word. I laugh everytime time she says it. And the funny thing is we understand her if we are in the grocery store and she sees Scoobie. Kids are so great!!

I'm Stuck

2008-05-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Ever feel like this guy?

Our Photo Album

2008-04-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

I finally was able to download all of the pictures of our trip on to a snapfish photo album. Here is a link to be able to view the photos. I hope this works. I downloaded about 200 and some pictures. So I hope that you will be able to enjoy. Have a super day (Side note Whitney loves to sit on the potty, but no more success stories)
http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=224816508/a=12269092_12269092/t_=12269092

We're Back!!

2008-04-28T06:31:00.000-07:00

Well we've made it back alive! Here are a few highlights from our trip. Just a thought. Before our trip we bought a new memory card for our camera. So we took about 300 pictures. I just wonder, what did we ever do before digital cameras? So here a just a few pictures. I will have to download some more at a later time. (And just fyi Whitney when on the big girl potty today, I think it was a fluke, but I'm gonna ride this wave as long as it lasts) Have a great day!
Here is the dining room presenting our Dinner

This was the the Car stunt show, a must see for Uncle Bill!
On the boat ride to the magic kingdom and off in the distance a castle!
Don't tell, but while the real princess Jasmine was eating dinner we found her look alike and snapped a picture. But I think Olivia isn't buying it!
Look Joe, it's Buzz and Woody!

This was Whitney's prefered mode of travel for the trip, Daddy's back and head. We love our Daddy!!

Face painting was a fun treat especially in the animal kingdom, but of instead of leaving with three girls..

We left with two cheetah girls and a delicate butterfly!Grandma made sure to find this hunky superstar! That's Mr. Incredible!

Ross Look-alike Meter

2008-04-16T12:12:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Ross Look-alike Meter

2008-04-16T11:59:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family history software - Family genealogy

Ross Look-alike Meter

2008-04-16T11:52:00.001-07:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family search - Geneology software

Only Five days till take off!!!

2008-04-14T12:32:00.001-07:00

We are getting so excited here, only five days till the Ross family takes sunny (hopfully) Florida by storm. We are so looking forward to the trip and I can't wait to take in some warmer weather. I've been feeling jealous of all of you experiencing 70 and 80 degree temps. We are flying out next Sunday and will be there till Fri. Of course we are going to Disney for a couple of days and then we are going to find the Beach. I want to head to the gulf, people say the water is really blue there. I would also like some imput from anybody or anyone who has ever been? Got any good tips on fun things to do or neat ideas to try? One of Wayne's co-workers told us to get the girls each a disposible camera and let them take their own pictures. So I think we are going to try that out. I've also heard that I need to remember sun block. So that is on my list as well. So if anybody else has any suggestions or ideas to help me out I would gladly like to read about it. Hope all is well and please post your comments or email me directly!!

Happy Birthday

2008-04-06T19:57:00.001-07:00

After conference yesterday we had a little birthday party for Whitney! We are so grateful for everyone who came, we had a very enjoyable evening with Uncles, Aunts, cousins, and friends. Special thanks to Uncle Nathan who took some great pictures and video and to my friend Terri G. (aka MA!) who made a terrific birthday cake!

Whitney Lou is Two!!!

2008-04-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Windy City Weekend

2008-04-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

Meet my new buddy!
A Girl's gotta do, what a girl's gotta do
Watch out Olivia, a shark is right behind you
The Wicked witch was in town!
Where are all those people running off too?

Easter Weekend!

2008-03-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe that Easter has come and gone. I guess for me though I didn't quite get into the whole holiday like I had planned. On Sunday I had a headache so I didn't make it to church. Wayne took the girls, so they were able to get there dresses on, but I just stayed home and rested. It was okay, I just took a couple of Tylenol and when that didn't work I found some IBprufen. The head ache eventually faded some. Next time I need to remember to rub the peppermint oil on. They should help some too. I think the girls had a nice Easter. Audrey got a game, Olivia some dress up and Whitney a horse (She picked it out too) But I am looking forward to this coming weekend. Wayne needs to go to Chicago for business, but I'm going to take the girls and enjoy the swimming pools and just enjoy time away from here. You know how it is just nice to get away. Well, Audrey seems to be over her sickness and nobody else seemed to have been affected. The weather is warming up and Audrey can finally leave her snow clothes at home. I was getting so tired of washing up the snow pants, whew! Sad story out of Iowa City this past week. Husband killed wife and 4 children, then crashed his car out on the highway and killed himself. I don't know why this story is on my mind. You hear this kind of stuff a lot. I feel so sad for the family, but I guess that is the way this world is turning. Anyways, sorry to be such a rambler, so I will sign off and I hope all is well in everyone's families!!

Sick Day

2008-03-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I thought that we were all going to come through this cold and flu season unscathed. Wrong. Audrey had a temperature all day yesterday and stayed home. By the end of the evening after resting all day, temperature was normal. So this morning temperature was back. So we called the doctor and thanks goodness they were able to see us in the morning. So after two tests, it was determined that is wasn't the flu, but strep. This is pretty typical for us. I don't know what it is but we all (except Wayne and don't know about Whitney) seem to always have to have a round of this stuff for the year. Well she has her antibiotic now. All should be well soon!

I Like it

2008-03-13T19:26:00.001-07:00

I'm excited for the movie coming up called Twilight. I just found a picture of a few members of the cast. I think they did a pretty good job getting them to look the part.

Silly Goose

2008-03-12T19:11:00.001-07:00

She's all grown up

2008-03-12T19:02:00.001-07:00

Ah, my number 2 is growing up! Yesterday I took her to the doctor for her kindergarten check up. She was pretty nervous, because of the (S H O T S) But Doctor Mike said everything was good. She's growing like grass and is quite typical for her age. We did have tears when Nurse Diane came back into the room (Mom cried too). But after it was over and our patient enjoyed a yummy sugar doughnut all reports are a go for kindergarten. Tonight she even told me that her legs are all healed, thanks to Jesus!

Finally

2008-03-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

I believe I finally got this video uploaded. It has taken me a while, but here is a movie that I have created of the girls playing in the snow. I hope to write more at a later time!

Just playing...

2008-02-27T13:04:00.000-08:00

Found this new template on this site. Thought I might change up my blog a little bit. Turns out that that snow storm we had on Monday was big but not so bad. Well the schools cancelled on Tues. But they made up for it by having them go a whole day today. (It was a schdedule early release day). I've been wanted to post this picture for a while. This is a baby booty that took me all day to finish. I sewed another but it's not quite right, but for right now I only have one. I want to make more but I haven't ventured into that yet.

Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

2008-02-25T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here is a recipe for cookies that is getting a lot of attention at our house
lately.

Snickerdoodles

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup of butter (softened)
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
2 tsp cream of tarter
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon

In a bowl, cream together the 1 1/2 cups sugar, butter, and eggs. In another bowl, stir together flour, cream of tarter, baking soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture. Shape into 1" balls. In a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll balls in sugar-cinnamon mixture. Place 2" apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for about 8-10 minutes. Makes about 4 dozen.

*On a side does anyone out there know what cream of tarter does for this cookie-it is in every snickerdoodle cookie recipe I've seen?

*On another side note in case anyone is reading this far along we are currently getting more freezing rain and snow today (some reports are up to 10 inches). School is letting out early and all activities that were scheduled for tonight cancelled. I haven't seen the ground since early December. No joke. I'm really not.

Did You See it?

2008-02-21T12:27:00.001-08:00

Well I guess last night we had a lunar eclipse in our midst. I didn't make it out to see it. Wayne happened to mention it this morning. So I wanted to find out when the next lunar eclipse is going to happen so we can all put it on our calendars and not miss it.
Guess what according to http://www.mreclipse.com/Special/LEnext.html
the next total lunar eclipse is December 21, 2010 that will be our anniversary. But go to the site above to see a list of eclipses.

A Few Videos

2008-02-18T08:17:00.000-08:00

All right so I'm enjoying this new movie feature. I hope that you all enjoy these latest videos.

Girls Talent Show

2008-02-17T15:57:00.000-08:00

So the girls and I were talking about an upcoming talent show that they want to do. We all had a little bit of time on our hands today and hence this movie was born. We hope that you enjoy the first annual Ross Family Talent show.

2008-02-17T10:22:00.000-08:00

Trapped

2008-02-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

Another winter day is upon us. Wayne was suppose to give a talk in church today. But it ended up that we couldn't even get out of our drive way. Sooo here we are at home and I decided to at a little bit more to my blog. Audrey is helping out a little bit by reading all my typing. She is becoming such a good reader. She just informed me that I switched the subject. I guess I do that that a lot in my journaling.
Hey do you all remember when you were a kid and your dad would make you snow ice cream? I did that today for the girls. They loved it! I also added wintergreen candies (those pink chalky mints) They really liked it. I have some left over in the freezer for a later treat.
Guess what Wayne did? I've been recording all the Jane Austin movies on Masterpiece theater. He decided to watch Mansfield Park. And like everyone who has read or watch this he was quite disturbed that Fanny and Edmund got married. Yes I guess they are cousins and I don't know about the laws in England, maybe first cousins can get married. Well that's about it for today.

Day one

2008-02-08T03:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I really got interested in blogging after my cousin showed me hers. I 'd never really given it much thought. But I do like to journal and I also like to be on my computer. So I might as well do both. It could be benefical. Also it is approx. 5.37 am (in the morning) I just couldn't sleep. Not good. I guess I just have so much to do tomorrow. Like clean my house before company comes. So I'm just going to post this now and play around with creating my blog. Hope you all enjoy.