Kocher Chaos

Summer/Fall Pictures 2011

2011-08-20T22:15:00.003-05:00

Good things happen to those who wait...

2011-08-20T21:36:00.004-05:00

Yes, I sat back and just waited to see if a Radiologic Technologist job would come my way.... and it did! I am now working at Eastern Illinois University's Health Services Clinic, part-time- Monday- Friday 12:00-5:00. The Clinic is closed whenever EIU is closed. I will not be working during EIU's Summer semester, however, I am completely happy having my summer's off!

I am still working at Shear Maddness in Newton. I will be working about three mornings and two evenings a week and possibly some Saturdays :) My mornings may be cut down eventually because I don't forsee my self being too busy.

I started my job on Monday, and by Friday I was starting to feel a little more comfortable. It was definately a challange to learn all the computer programs and such.....I was a little overwhelmed. But overall I really like it. We take x-rays on mainly just the students and the athletes! I'm sure I will get to know all the training staff for all the men's and women's sports before long. I'm really excited about working with the athletes! (since sports are one of my loves)

The Health Service clinic has a Pharmacy, Lab, X-ray, two MD's, 3 NP (Nurse Practitioner), and 1 ANP(advanced nurse practitioner) I may be missing some...I can't remember for sure! I was surprised at how big the clinic was!

A couple of weekends ago Scott, I and the kids took off and went to St. Louis for a couple of days. Kayla had an appointment with Dr. Gordon on her leg that she broke. He said she looks great and that he doesn't want to see her again...unless she wants those nails taken out of her leg.....which she told him she doesn't:) Our next stop was the City Museum and then back to the hotel to change into our Cardinals gear for the game against the Colorado Rockies (which they won!). We also hit the Gateway Fun Park for some go-karts and bumper boats! Next stop was the St. Louis Mills! We all enjoyed walking around the mall and of course Cabela's!

Today I took the kids down to the old school house just off of IL RT. 130 and took some snapshots and I think the turned out pretty good! I hope you all enjoyed my update, I'm sorry they are far and few between! Thanks for reading!

Angie

2011-07-03T15:08:00.005-05:00

Jasper County Fair Peddle Tractor Pull

Swimming Lessions at the Newton Aquatic Pool

The Tigers & The Defenders

This pretty much sums up what we have been up to the past couple of months! It seems to be flying by!

We were also able to squeeze in a Cardinal game in between all of that too!

Thank You

2011-05-14T12:22:00.003-05:00

A very special THANK YOU to everyone that made my birthday and graduation so wonderful yesterday. To my parents....for attending my graduation and for all the encouragement over the past three years....THANK YOU! To my brothers and sisters and their families and all of my friends for all the support! I really appreciated it! You all are so important to me! THANK YOU!! Ashley......I could never had done this without your help! You were a Godsend! Thank you! We Love You! To my mother and father in-law....(for the blackberry cobbler for my birthday!) and the rest of my extended family... for all of you support...THANK YOU!

Also... to all of the Radiologic Technologists in the clinical sites that I have attended (St. Anthony's Hospital, Crawford Memorial Hospital, Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, and Richland Memorial Hospital)....THANK YOU! I have learned so much from all of you and I have made some great memories and friends!
To all of my classmates....you guys are the best and I am so privileged to have known you all! The BEST OF LUCK TO YOU ALL! I have made some GREAT friends and will never forget the memories! Thank you!

And Last but not least...To Scott, Kayla and Kyle for attending graduation and being so patient with me (when I didn't always deserve it) during this journey. It was tough, but we made it! I LOVE YOU! Now we have a lot of catching up to do.....Ballgames and ranger riding all summer long! I can't wait!
(I'm sure I am forgetting someone and for that I appologize now)

Thank You

2011-05-14T12:22:00.001-05:00

Thank You

2011-05-14T12:22:00.000-05:00

The End As Come...

2011-05-01T19:52:00.004-05:00

Easter morning with their new PJ's

Pinata at Grandma and Grandpa Meinhart's

Meinhart Grandkids

Kocher Grandkids (minus Kaiden & Brenden)

Hunting Easter Eggs

Wow... where do I begin? I guess I should start with the fact that I am (almost) officially done with school! I took my last final (had to have a score of 85 to pass) last thursday and attended my last day of clinicals at Sarah Bush (going to miss that place) on Friday. Tomorrow I have to go to OCC to get my paperwork (walking papers) all finalized and then all I have left is graduation day! I also have to take my state boards in a few weeks!

I feel like I have lost about 20 pounds in just 2 days! The stress that was on my shoulders (that I was unaware of) is gone! I got so much done this weekend that I have been wanting (and needed) to do! The house got a cleaning that was MUCH needed! And I feel MUCH better!

Kayla and I have been been sick off and on. I had an extreme sinus infection two weeks ago and Kayla has had a couple bouts with the flu and diarrhea in the last couple of weeks. I think (hope) we are both on the mend.

So this next week we have lots going on.... I am going to be studying for my boards as much as I can, then on Thursday, Kayla and I have tickets to SUGARLAND & LITTLE BIG TOWN, in Evansville, IN. Then, on Saturday we have four tickets to the Cardinal game in St. louis! We are pretty excited!

Easter came and went pretty fast! The Easter bunny came and left lots of candy, PJ's, and kite's. Kayla and I even got to fly one this afternoon!

I hope you all enjoyed the pictures!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T13:00:00.004-05:00

Happy Easter

We want to wish all of our friends and family a

very blessed Easter !!!

The above picture was taken this morning after church.

It's Been Awhile!

2011-03-20T21:00:00.003-05:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I have updated you all on our Chaos! Today is officially the first day of spring! Thank goodness! We spent the day cleaning the shed to make room for all the equipment that will soon be moved into the shed to get ready for the spring fieldwork. And Scott is getting the lawn mowers ready for the spring. I, on the other hand, have been studying as much as I can for the RT Registry test. I have a little over one month of classes left before I graduate (May 13th, 2011) yes on my 33rd birthday! I have applied for my seat at the registry and I am waiting for a reply to schedule my test date (I will let you all know when my test date is.... after the test is over ;) I don't need anymore pressure on me! I do feel good about how my studying is going, I am really retaining a lot of the information! I am just ready to be done and enjoy life for a while! We are already in the middle of March Madness!! I am watching the ILLINI play as I type......I wish I could say they were winning... This past week the kids and I caught a little flu bug... headache, fever and congestion. Kayla only got one day of school in last week and Kyle and I were home on Thursday and Friday then it took me most of the weekend to catch up on strength....running a fever is hard on me.. LOL We celebrated Kayla's 7th Birthday a couple of weeks ago and will be celebrating Kyle's 5th next weekend. Wow they are growing up so fast....can anyone tell me how to get them to stop fighting???? I'm about to pull my hair out.....funny I seem to remember my mom saying the same thing:) I'll try to post some pictures of the kid's birthday party's in a few weeks.....Thanks for reading and trying to keep up with us! Back to the ILLINI...still loosing :(

In and Out!

2011-01-07T20:46:00.003-06:00

That 1/2 inch of snow we got today was so pretty........until I forgot that my ABS taction system wasn't working on the van. Kyle and I slid off the road and into the ditch and thankfully I was driving "slow" enough ;) that I drove right back out! No worries, there was no damage to us or the van.... in fact, after I was back on the road (and not yet calm), Kyle starts giggling and says "That was fun, Mom". And he decided that "Whitey" (Van) is meaner than "Little Gray" (S-10). Because Little Gray barely got out of the same ditch and Whitey just drove right out! Sure did add some excitement to our day!

She did it again!

2011-01-04T10:47:00.003-06:00

Kayla decided to cut her hair off again! Another 3 inches!
It makes her look so much older!

I think I may be cutting mine off today too!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-01T22:19:00.005-06:00

Christmas 2010

It’s hard to believe Christmas has came and went. It’s already the first of January! I love the Christmas season and all the decorations and lights, and to see it all through the eyes of my kids is great…..but man am I ready for things to get back to normal! The kids are finally calming down and well….TRYING to listen to mom and dad.
Kayla asked for a karaoke machine and Santa delivered! Kyle asked for a new bike and ……..yes, Santa delivered (even if he had to leave a not so very nice note in his stocking and leave his bike in the shed to see later ;). I tried to upload some videos of the kids singing to their favorite songs with the karaoke machine but I am having trouble. I’ll try again later. These are very mild compared to what we’ve seen most recently :)
After Christmas, Scott and I decided to spend our Christmas money we received from our parents, not on bills! We bought us a new TV and entertainment center. We all love it and can’t wait to watch the ILLINI play tomorrow!
We have still been working in the shed the last couple of weeks. We almost have the ceiling up in the shed and the big insulated door is REALLY close to working! I will post pictures of the finished product, whenever that may be…hopefully soon!

Also, on a side note, Kayla has made some pretty good money from the Tooth Fairy over the holidays! She lost a tooth on Christmas night and another a couple days later!

Christmas at my Mom & Dad's and also at the Kocher family Christmas

Our tree and the presents that Santa left on Christmas morning

Santa brought the kids new blankets!

Our New Illini hoodies! (and "American Girl" Doll from Grandma Clara)

Thanks to both of our families for all the wonderful gifts for the kids and for the wonderful Christmas memories!

Another one bites the dust...

2010-12-17T21:18:00.003-06:00

I finished the fall semester up on thursday with my last final. As I last posted, I thought I would be getting A's in all my classes if I did well on my finals. Well, I had a really hard time studying for them but I pulled it off (Barely)! I got all A's for the first time!!!! I'm super excited!

Only one fmore semester of classes and I will be DONE!!! I believe I will be done at the end of April and graduating on the 13th of May....Yes, my 33rd Birthday!!!!

It can't come fast enough!

December Update

2010-12-12T10:58:00.004-06:00

I'm a little behide on my monthly update but I finally had a chance to sit down and update. I am 2 days away from officially done with the fall semester........I finished up at my clinical site, RMH, on Friday....kind of bitter sweet. I think I'm going to miss the diagnostic imaging staff there! I have 2 days of finallys this next week and then I am DONE and ready for a break! I currently have 3-A's and 1 -B. If I do well on my finals I may be able to bump that B to an A.

The kids are so excited for Christmas this year! Kayla is asking for a Karaoke Machine and makeup (yea!) and Kyle is asking for a new bike! We are not real sure Kyle will be getting a bike from Santa.......... It's been a rough couple weeks! :)
Yesterday, Kayla and I had a "mommy and Kayla Day" we went to Effingham to do a little Christmas shopping but most importantly we were going to get our ears pierced! Kayla chose chrystal daisy's and they look beautiful! (I also got one of mine repierced).

We had lunch at TGI Friday's and then went to walmart to get a few gifts! I believe she had a great day!

Scott has been working of the shed again lately. He's trying to get the shower hooked up and running, get our big insulated door on the front and the shed working and then the ceiling put up so that it can stay warm!

Tonight we are having an early Christmas party with Ashley! They kids and I are really excited to see Ashley open her gift from us....We hope she likes it!

I believe this is the first year the kids got SUPER excited about the show! Kayla wants to go sledding SOOOO bad! :)

I hope everyone finds this Christmas season to be wonderful! I'll update again at christmas time! Merry Christmas to all!

PS: Oh and I changed the blog layout and the title of my blog.....catchy isn't!

The price of soybeans!

2010-11-02T18:14:00.002-05:00

Fall is my favorite time of the year! I love the colors, the weather, and the fact that I am getting ready to sign up for my LAST semester of classes...LOL.

School for us is going well. Kayla is flying into reading and math and although she is working hard, she is doing really well! Kyle is finally adjusting to Pre-K. We no longer have to leave him crying. Which has made the start to our day much easier. We are still stuggling a bit with him "being a big boy", each day is getting easier. Classes for me is still going well... I am AMAZINGLY still getting A's in my classes. Clinicals are also still going well too. Things are starting to "click" a little more everyday and my confidence level is growing by the minute! There are still a few days when I ask myself if I was crazy for going back to school but those moments are coming less and less often!

We have been teaching Kayla about helping out at home. She has been working hard at folding and putting their laundery away and sweeping the floors for me. Sometimes it would be easier to do it myself but what good would that do! She enjoys saving her money in her wallet!

Last month, Scott, the kids and I hosted a fall party for a bunch of our friends (12 adults and 13 kids) we grilled out on the grill and had a fire. My kids had a blast! It was our first "friend party" that we have hosted, and I think a good time was had by all!

I'll leave you with a funny story that sort of goes with the title of this post:

On the saturday of our party, the kids and I were playing around of the living room floor and I was picking on Kyle when I noticed a big chunck of wax in his ear.... I went to get a tweezers ( I know, thats not what I should have used) to get the wax out when I noticed that it was much smoother that what wax should be. I asked Kyle "Have you put anything in your ear lately?" Kyle said "ya mom, i put a bean in there!" I looked a little closer and noticed it was indeed a soybean! I asked Kyle "how long has the bean been in there?" He said "umm, about 5 days" I'm not sure if he really new that or he was making it up....but it was possible. So I made a few phone calls on how to go about getting the bean out of his ear and decided to use a hair pin and some veggie oil. After about 30 minutes I finally got the soybean out of his ear.....I was almost ready to put him in the van and go to the ER. That would have cost me about $500.00! Too bad I didn't get that price at the elevator when we sold our soybeans! Kyle told me I was "the best mom in the world" when I got the bean out..... That was a first, I normally hear "you're a mean mommy"!

Thanks for reading, until next time!

Happy Fall!

Fall pictures

2010-10-27T20:36:00.003-05:00

Rolling into fall..

2010-09-27T18:08:00.002-05:00

WOW! August and September seemed to have flew by. It's hard to believe it's the first of October already. We have all settled into our school routine....or at least most of us ;) Kyle is still struggling a little bit with school. He only cries when I leave home in the morning (leaving him with Ashley) and when I drop him off at school ;) He seems to really like being at school, just not leaving mom.

Kayla on the other hand is doing very well. She has a book to read every night as well as vocab words to recite. Kayla's favorite subject this week is math;) and her favorite time of the day is going outside. She managed to get hurt two Wednesday's in a row a few weeks ago. She was in PE both times. Scott wanted to send her to school with a football helmet on her head....she didn't think that was a good idea! Kayla also started religion classes at St. Mary's in Ste. Marie and is really enjoying it. There are only a total of 5 kids in her class.

Scott has been really busy the past few weeks....so we don't see him that often. The rain gave him a nice little break (one day of sleeping in). We are almost done with harvest...maybe only a week or so left!

My semester is going great! I am loving it at RMH. I am getting the feel of being a real tech and loving it! My classes are going awesome.... all A's. I even got my very first ever 100% a few weeks ago! I was so EXCITED!!! Actually, it was 103% because I got the bonus question right!

I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful fall weather...we sure are! Until next time!

Angie

Kyles first day of school!

2010-08-30T17:25:00.005-05:00

Kyles first day of school started of kind of rough! I woke him up and he said "I'm not going to school" I asked why and he said "I'm afraid I might get in trouble" I said "that's okay buddy... it won't be the only time" LOL. I told him he would be fine and to get up and eat breakfast. He didn't eat anything but he didn't fight me when I put his clothes on. Then we went outside to take "first day of school pictures". He was okay with getting his picture taken. Ashley showed up to put Kayla on the bus and then she took Kyle to school. I wanted to take Kyle on his first day but....I'd rather save my days for when my kids get sick and really need me. Ashley text me and sent me a picture, which made me feel much better. Kyles note from his teacher said his day started off sad but he finally warmed up and built a train track!

Kyle informed me when I got home that "He was not going back to School tomorrow"!

Kyle Edward

Pre-K @ Kid's Kingdom

Morning class

The kids had the idea to take all of our pictures with our backpacks!

I love it!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

2010-08-28T21:21:00.003-05:00

August 29th, 2010

Gary & Sandy Meinhart

Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary!

Forty years, five kids and eight grand-kids later....... here you are!

You two are GREAT role models. Thank you for everything do.

I LOVE YOU MOM & DAD!

Ang

Family Photo

2010-08-23T18:16:00.005-05:00

We took this picture on the last day of our vacation.

Some pictures from the Meinhart Vacation in Kentucky

2010-08-21T16:30:00.003-05:00

Captain Scott

Kayla & Kyle after Go-Kart riding

The Grandchildren at the Garden of the Gods

Scott and Kyle getting ready to race

Grandpa Gary taking in a turn

Our Townhouses, the two closest to the beach

The beach

Kentucky Dam

The Grandkids at Jungle Golf

The Grandkids and Grandma and Grandpa at Kentucky Shores

School Time 2010-2011

2010-08-20T22:42:00.007-05:00

Well, school in underway! Kayla’s first day as a 1st grader, was yesterday. She had a great day as she toured the school and read a few books. I was not able to see her onto the bus because I had to get to my clinical site, but Ashley took care of her and took her picture for me! I started school on Thursday with classes and today with clinical. I’m really looking forward to this semester! I’m almost to the end! Four semesters down and two to go! I have been placed at RMH in Olney this semester….such a blessing to be close to home!
Jasper County decided not to have Pre-K this year….wait…then the decided to have it, but only a half day…which Kyle did not get into. However, I was able to work it out with the ROE program at Kid’s Kingdom. So, Kyle will start Pre-K on the 30th and he is really excited!
A special THANKS goes out to Ashley (our favorite babysitter) for all the help she will be so generously provide! You’re the best!

Dr. Appointment in St. Louis!

2010-08-20T22:39:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, Kayla had a checkup for her leg at Children’s Hospital. Dr. Gordon gave her a thumbs up…as she ran down the hallway! He said her leg is all healed and since she isn’t having any pain in her knee, (where the nails enter the bone) we are not going to remove the nails…yet, if at all. Our AWESOME, babysitter/friend rode along with us, so that I did not have to go by myself. Thanks Ashley! After her appointment we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese and then to Splash City. We had a really good time at the water park. They kids enjoyed the water slides and lazy river! It’s hard to believe that it has been one year since Kayla broke her leg and getting on the bus this year, on the first day, was so cool! We will have to see Dr. Gordon again, next year!

Our Trip to Lake Barkley

2010-08-20T22:30:00.001-05:00

We started our Meinhart family trip on Thursday, August 5th at 8:00 AM. On the way down to Kentucky we stopped off at the Garden of the Gods (against the wishes of a couple family members, who then managed to explore the trails on their own….) then went on into Cave in Rock and took the Ferry across the Ohio River. The kids all did a really good job on the way down and we managed to wear Grandpa Gary out at the Garden of the Gods. We stopped in Marion and ate at McDonald’s (against Uncle Doug’s wishes), then drove on into Kentucky to our destination, The Holiday Hills Resorts on Lake Barkley.
We had two townhouses rented for 3 nights. Each townhouse had two floors. The first floor had a bed, bath and a kitchen, along with a small deck complete with a grill and picnic table. The second floor was equipped with four full/double beds, one twin bed and a bath. Each floor also had its own TV (with cable). When we got to our townhouses the kids had them all checked out in a matter of secondsJ. The kids played on the beach and playground while the adults unloaded the vans. That evening we had a light supper of ham/turkey and chicken salad sandwiches, and then headed down to the beach for some swimming.
Friday was our day on the lake. We rented a pontoon boat and took several trips out exploring. The morning shift consisted of everyone except the six littlest kids and the mothers of all of those kids. We took the kids to the pool and then to the beach. They seemed to enjoy the beach more than the pool. When the first crew came back to the dock, we put some hamburger, hotdogs, and brats on the grills and made some Mac and cheese. “We had enough food for an army” (Grandpa Gary) that afternoon, captain Scott took the second crew (the 6 kids, their moms, Captain Scott, Grandma, and Gary J.) out for a tour of Lake Barkley and some swimming. While we were gone exploring, the rest of the 1st crew took naps (minus Steve, Uncle Doug, Nate, & Zack….they played at the beach). We had a pasta/lasagna night that evening for supper.
Saturday we had a late breakfast that consisted of biscuits and gravy, sausage, pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fruit! We then loaded up the vans and headed to the Kentucky Dam and the Land Between the Lakes to see some Elk and Buffalo (not too exciting). We stopped at a park nearby and had a picnic then made our way to the Kentucky Shores for some Go Kart racing! It was a BLAST. Everyone (even grandpa and grandma) got to do some racing! We also drove some golf carts around looking at some animals while Ken, Carrie and Doug did a little mini golf. We had reservation at the Catfish Kitchen at 7. While we waited, the kids fed the fish in the pond right next to the restaurant. The food was awesome!
Sunday morning we loaded up to head home. We stopped in Paducah at Gander Mountain and had our last meal with the whole family! Scott and I decided to do some shoe shopping with the kids. We then headed home.
We had a really great time on our trip……I am so proud the all the kids….. they behaved so well! I’m pretty sure Grandpa and Grandma had a great time as well! Thanks to all of my family for making this trip happen and we will have to do it again………..in a couple of years ;)
As soon as I can get the group picture from my sis-in-law, I will post it! Sorry!

Ending summer with a bang!

2010-08-01T16:40:00.002-05:00

I am officially on my three week summer break! Last Thursday was my last day at my clinical site. Those eight weeks flew by faster than I thought they would. Starting a new clinical site has been frustrating for me. Just as I'm getting comfortable at one hospital, it is time to move to a new site. At the new site everyone has a different way of doing things as well as the protocol is usually different. Within a few weeks I get settled in and I don't feel as "stupid" anymore. About one week before the new site I start stressing out about it! LOL That will be here before we know it! But we have a lot to do before school starts.

Yesterday, Kayla and I had a "Mommy and Kayla day". We took off and went to Terre Haute to do some shopping. Kayla needed a few clothes to start school with and of course some school supplies. Before we left for our shopping trip we had a minor accident at home in the kitchen. I was is the process of doing laudary, dishes and sweeping when I heard this noise coming from the kitchen. Sounding like something spraying or at first what I thought was a gas leak. I found a water hose under the sink had busted so I ran out to the front of the house to turn off the main water line. After tearing through what seemed like a whole role of insulation (used to keep the pipe from freezing in the winter) I finally found the knob that turns the water off. Scott was on his way home, so no fear! Kayla and I took off for Terre Haute and Scott and Kyle fixed the water disaster!

Thursday, The Meinhart's are taking off for Lake Barkley! We are all excited! It should be fun with all 19 of us staying in 2 town houses! I do believe all the kids are staying in the same town house as their grandparents! LOL That will be so much fun, Right Grandpa? ;)

We are still waiting to hear is Jasper County will have their Pre-K program. Kyle will be in the am class if it continues. We are really hoping it will happen, Kyle needs some structure!

Hope this finds you all well!

Summer thoughts...

2010-07-17T09:27:00.003-05:00

This last month has went by so fast! I don't hardly know where to start!

Clinicals are going well, I have only two weeks left, then I have a 3 week break! YEA!!!! I spent the last week in Radiation Therapy observing. I never really knew what that was all about... I mean I knew the whole idea of it but not how it worked. It was a great week...i loved every bit of it. But probably not enough to go on for another year and specialize in it! After this last two weeks of clinicals I only have two semesters left. I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel! This has been a LONG two or so years and I am ready to NOT be a student! LOL ! I have for the most part finished my online class that I had to take this summer and have been able to really relax and enjoy the last few weeks. I borrowed some books from my mom and started to read again....for pleasure not school! The kids and I have hit a few of the niece and nephews ball games in the last few weeks.... i was unable to make it to see them all play....but I have plenty more in the years to come!

We were able to enjoy the Jasper county fair again this year....pedal tractor pull, 4H animals, ITPA tractor pull and a deep fried candybar! My absolute favorite! LOL Kayla also finished up her swimming lessons that week and passed the 1st level!!!! I had so much fun relaxing by the new pool in Newton during the lessons, that I forgot to take any pictures of her... sorry! We had a family wedding back in June also... Congrats goes out to Phil and Becca! We had a great time just visiting and watching the kids play with their cousins that they don't get to see that often.

We are really exicted for my 3 week break.... My mom and dad will be married for 40 years in August, so my entire immediate family is taking a family vacation to Kentucky Lake August 5-8, in Eddyville. We have 2 townhouses and a party pontoon rented! We can't wait! Mom and Dad are just as excited at the rest of us......what a way to celebrate!

Scott has been working a lot of overtime this summer :) We like that paycheck! He has also been working of some projects on the side....enjoying his man place (shed). We did such a good job insulating the kitchen area that it is so nice and cool (with the help of a small airconditioner unit ) he is able to work in the cool kitchen instead of the heat!

I think I have covered almost everything for this last month.....I think I'll go play with the kids! I hope that you, my readers, are enjoying your summer! Thanks for reading:)

Update...

2010-06-14T20:57:00.002-05:00

I've been a little lazy at posting lately. We have been trying to enjoy this hot summer weather. The kids have been sick off and on lately.... which caused some fun summer trips not to take place such as the Evansville zoo on Memorial day :( My first week of clinicals at Sarah Bush went really well.... I was really nervous, but by Thursday of that week I felt at "home". Kyle was sick several days during my first week...which was difficult on me, but Scott, Ashley and my mom pitched in and took care of him. This week has started off much better.

The kids and I have been trying to make it to some of my niece and nephews ballgames, swimming and bush hog riding to the sandbar. My biggest challange right now is keeping up with the growing grass... I've had enough of the rain!

I also have an online class this summer that I have been working on in the evenings. Thats about all I have for now.....i'll post again when I have some exciting stuff to post about.... maybe some pictures next time!

Tradition has started...

2010-06-02T19:11:00.002-05:00

We planted Kayla's tree that she got from school tonight! She was beginning to worry that it wouldn't live much longer!

Summer pictures

2010-05-25T20:49:00.002-05:00

I took some pictures of the kids this afternoon. I think they turned out pretty good....

He finally arrived...

2010-05-25T07:05:00.002-05:00

Our newest nephew:

Brendan David Stewart

6lbs 9oz

21 in long

May 23rd, 2010

Kayla and I went to meet Brendan yesterday for a little while! He is so cute!

Contratulations to Dave, Amy & Kaiden!!!!

Look what was sitting at our neighbors house.....

2010-05-22T08:00:00.005-05:00

we were all pretty excited to see this... it's a tree trimmer!

The only not-so-exciting part about it ..... is that it woke us all up this morning :(

Another semester down

2010-05-12T17:08:00.002-05:00

Thankfully, another semester is done! One year down and one year left to go! Thats all I have to say about that!

Ang

Olney Shriner's Award

2010-04-19T20:48:00.002-05:00

Last Monday on the 12th, I was invited to an awards ceremony at OCC. I didn't really want to go but was advised to by OCC staff. I'm really glad I went. I was awarded the Olney Shriner's Radiography Award! I was presented with a certificate and a check (that was well worth my trip with the husband and both kids). I was pleasantly surprised and gracious. I really appreciate the person/persons that nominated me. Thank You!

Angie

Happy Birthday !!

2010-04-07T20:37:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband, Scott!

Also, a Happy Birthday to my Nephew, Ben tomorrow!!!! Have a great day buddy!

It's been a good week.....3 A's in 3 days...it doesn't get much better than that!

2010-04-04T12:06:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter!

2010-03-31T21:03:00.001-05:00

Wow...it has been a while since my last post. We have been crazy busy....now lets see if I can remember what we have been up to!
I'll start with my spring break...... During my spring break...which was the week after Kayla's 6th birthday on the 5th of March (that I forgot to post about), was Kayla's student of the week, week! I was really excited that my spring break fell during her special week. Scott, Scott's mom, Clara and I was able to have lunch with her on several days during the week. Grandma Sandy was scheduled to have lunch too but Kayla ended up getting an ear infection and had to go to the doctor. The picture below is with her poster of pictures that we made! We had a great week!

At the end of my break we had our first big party in the shed! We celebrated Kayla's 6th and Kyle's 4th Birthdays! Kyle's Birthday was on the 27th! This was their first big party and a good excuse to be able to have everyone over at the shed at once! I think it went well! All were in attendance except uncle Doug......prior arrangements with the bars i think....(Shriner's night).

Thanks to Gary J., Zach, Steve, Dawn, Nate, Josie, & Ben for helping us get the shed ready for the big party......we look forward to having more gatherings!!!

Since then, I have been studying a lot..... which is what I will be doing most of Easter weekend :(

I can see the end......it is near!

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter! I sure hope the Easter Bunny finds you all! This Easter bunny almost forgot it was Easter! (But all is good and everyone will be happy) I just hope our Easter Bunny isn't stressed out and grouchy by the time Easter morning rolls around!!

Happy Easter!

Ang

Update

2010-03-08T07:38:00.004-06:00

I know it's been a while since my last post, we have been so busy!

So I'll start by saying that Kayla lost her second tooth on bottom a few weeks ago. Again, she pulled it out all by herself at school;) I took a picture but I accidentally deleted it. sorry!

Next up, most of you know this by now (if your a facebook friend) But about 3 days after we got home from Cancun my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He was scheduled to have surgery to remove it on Wednesday March 3rd. The surgery went well and he is recovering just fine. He should be coming home today!

And then, Saturday, March 6th we had my brother Ken & Carrie's wedding reception. It was a great time! As most all Meinhart weddings are! I took a few pictures!

Yesterday Kayla and I went to Effingham to see grandpa in the hospital and they we all went to Uncle Ken's and Aunt Carries to eat leftovers from the wedding and open presents!

On the agenda this week....Kayla is student of the week! Thanks!

Susan G. & Susan M. were having a great time also!

I'm not sure who took my camera from me but they got a great picture of me! Thanks!

I LOVE Kayla's dress! She was so Cute!!!!

Our kids had so much fun dancing and running around!

Grandma and Her Grand-daughters!

Someone came to visit last night...

2010-02-17T07:17:00.002-06:00

It was the toothfairy....yip, Kayla lost her first tooth yesterday at Linda's. she pulled it out all by herself! That wounderful tooth fairy brought her $1.

Everyone is now home from Mexico...the last 2 couples came home yesterday. So we are all home safe and sound!

Riu Yucatan Resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

2010-02-16T20:46:00.002-06:00

Okay, I'll give you a quick run down of the trip:

Friday we flew out of St. Louis at 7 and arrive in Cancun at the hotel at around 11:30-12:00 just in time for dinner! We walked around and checked things out and took a walk on the beach.....then it rained....POURED. So we went to the bar!~ (that seemed to happen a lot on this trip---the going to the bar part) We sat around and visited with mom and dad and ken and Carrie for a while, and watched a drinking contest :) that evening we had dinner then went to the bar......
Saturday, Scott and I took a walk "downtown" to site see and get some gifts for the kids. Then headed back for my massage at noon. Then we got ready for the wedding. BEAUTIFUL!!!! I misplaced my camera right before the wedding but found it just in time for the pictures on the beach! After all the pictures, we changed into beach attire and played a few games of volleyball....per the brides request! We matched up with some HOT guys from Argentina..... to play a few matches! GROVE/USA team fell short but all had a GREAT time! Lots of drinks was had in that couple of hours.(uuhhmmm Anita). We finished our game just in time to get to the reception. The dinner was great and the cake was to! The best man and maid of honor made excellent speeches! Only one of the quest was unable to make it to dinner due to the content of alcohol that was inhaled:) (name mentioned above;) It was quite chilly out so we all went back to the rooms to change and headed to the bar ;) That was a late night!!!!! It was a great time!!!! Mom and Dad got in on some shots along with EVERYONE else! Saturday was an AWESOME day!
Sunday was a day of relaxation..... or maybe just because everyone had such a good time the night before.......So many stories....so many laughs.....loving the memories!
We went to visit Senior Frogs (not sure on the spelling) GREAT BAR....what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico ;)

I can't wait for the reception on the 6th to share all the details with the rest of our family and friends! Here are a few pictures.... I should get some more from Carrie in the next couple of weeks. So enjoy these for now......I gota go do some laundry:) back to reality!

Phi Theta Kappa Member

2010-01-31T11:50:00.002-06:00

Last week I recieved a letter in the mail from OCC stating that I am elegible to be a Phi Theta Kappa Member...due to my scholarly success! LOL So I guess i'm going to join because it will look very good on my resume. All I have to do after induction is simply maintain a GPA of 3.25!

I feel......scholarly! LOL

Sledding and a new due!

2010-01-11T18:39:00.002-06:00

Sunday, Scott took the kids sledding here are some of the pictures.

Kayla
Kayla

Kyle

We have been talking about cutting Kayla's hair for a couple of days, so tonight we did it. We LOVE it!

Before

After

Thanks for reading!

Back to normal tomorrow

2010-01-10T21:06:00.002-06:00

Well, tomorrow is back to school for everyone....... I'm not looking forward to it. I'm not ready for all the stress that comes with it. I am looking forward to taking my lunch everyday and eating healthy. I hope that I can get up early every morning so that I can get my exercise in.
Today, I worked on farm books all day so that I can have them ready for our tax appointment. So that's one last thing I won't have to worry about during school. Scott took the kids sledding today....Kayla liked it....Kyle didn't. They would go sledding for a bit them go into the shed and warm up in front of the heater then go sledding some more. They did this 3 or 4 times. They even got some hot chocolate once. I did get some deep cleaning done in my kitchen yesterday. I think I have the house clean enough for me to ignore it for 6 more months. LOL I really don't have a decent break off school until August. Pray for my kids the next few months.......mom gets kinda grouchy when I get stressed out. I'm going to try extra hard to have better patience with them and Scott. Wish me luck!

Fundraising..

2010-01-09T15:15:00.006-06:00

Yes again......the OCC Radiography club is doing a fundraiser. This time we are selling Celebrating Home. If you are interested leave me a comment and I can get back to you. We are suppose to hand these in on Monday. I know I didn't give you much time.

Dips are $14.00

Cookies are desserts are $12.00

Soy Candles are $15.00

Bags are $8.00 and $10.00

These candles are $10.00

Thanks for looking!

ALVIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-03T20:49:00.002-06:00

The sunday before Christmas we had our celebration with my mom's side of the family. My grandma gives her great-grandchildren a $10 gift. So with careful consideration (input from us) mom decided to give the kids gift cards to the movie theater in Effingham. Although the gifts were not fun to open and play with they did however have fun at the movie! We took all the kids to see Alvin and the Chipmunk's today! They all really enjoyed the movie!

Back row:

Zack, Nate

Middle:

Kayla, Brooke, Josie

Kyle, Marc, Ben

Thanks to Dawn, Julie and mom for going today, we really enjoyed it!

45 Days...

2009-12-28T14:04:00.002-06:00

and I'll be here!!!!

Riu Yucatan!!!!

Christmas Pictures

2009-12-27T11:05:00.005-06:00

We got in a few family Christmas Pictures!

Grandma Pruemer
Mom & Dad

Steve, Dawn, Nate, Josie & Ben

Ken & Carrrie

Gary, Julie, Zach, Brooke, & Marc

Scott, Angie, Kayla & Kyle Doug

Four down One to go!

2009-12-26T21:12:00.002-06:00

We have one Christmas party left to attend! I'm a little sad;( Tomorrow is the big Meinhart Christmas, a house FULL of about 75 adults, teenagers and toddlers! CAN'T WAIT!
I hope EVERYONE makes is safe and sound!!!!!

Scott and I put up a heated ceiling fan in the shed tonight and it works great! We also ate supper out there :) Until next time...............

Meinhart Christmas

2009-12-26T20:58:00.002-06:00

Around 3:00 we headed to Island Grove for the Meinhart Christmas. We also had a great time there! Lots of food, drinks, and fun!
I didn't take any very many pictures with my camera but Kayla took a bunch with her's;)

This finally picture is all the grandkids in there Newton Eagle sweatshirts that Grandma & Grandpa Meinhart gave them! The little boys got remote control cars that flip over (a big hit) and the older kids all got DS games or playstation games! Thanks Mom & Dad!

More Christmas...

2009-12-26T20:43:00.003-06:00

This was Christmas morning at our house. Santa made it...i was quite unsure if he should!

Kayla got her Nintendo DS, a digital camera, a movie and a book.

Kyle got his wagon he wanted, hunting clothes and a leap frog game, a movie and a book. Santa also brought us another DVD player!

I got my Tom Tom that Kayla thought I had to have :)

The last few pictures Kayla took with her new camera!
This last one was all of us laying in Kyle's bed watching one of the new movies! After all the presents were opened we made bacon & eggs for breakfast then headed out to the shed to get the toilet hooked up! Kyle was the first to try it out and ....it worked!

All most over

2009-12-26T20:07:00.005-06:00

Oh my, did Christmas come and go FAST! We had Scott's Christmas Party at Farm Pride/Newton Implement on Wednesday night.....It was a good time. We had some new employees in attendance this year and as always a very good meal.... Ste. Marie Style Chicken! The kids all had a blast and as always VERY dirty! Scott works with a great group of guys! It truly feels like family. We also feel very blessed to have Jerry as our AWESOME boss!

Thursday afternoon we headed to Effingham to Scott's sister Amy's for the Kocher Christmas. Clara had to work so we picked up Harold and headed over a little early so that we could stop by Menards and buy a toilet and a ceiling fan for the shed. We had a great evening at Amy's. We ate soup and opened presents and just sat around and visited. On the way home we stopped in Newton for Christmas Eve Mass at 10:00.

This is Kaiden saying "GO HEARTS" His shirt he is wearing says Effingham Hearts, was one of his gifts.

Just a part of the family

2009-12-22T21:54:00.003-06:00

We had a very important person over for a little Christmas celebration tonight. This person is sooo very important to us. She is wonderful with our kids.... and they LOVE her! She has been a blessing to me (and Scott)! She puts Kayla on the bus a couple days a week and gets her off the bus in the evenings. She picks Kyle up from daycare whenever we need her to. I can go on and on and on. Our very special guest was our babysitter.....Ashley!
We started our evening with subs from Subway, then we had Ashley open her gift from us. Then she gave the kids their gift.....Big Buck Hunter Pro...The kids LOVED it....as did Ashley, Scott and I! We hunter for the remainder of the evening. It was a great time!

Ashley-- we appreciate all that you do for us! You are a part of our family and always will be! You are an all around GREAT person and we LOVE you!!!!
We wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!

Random pictures

2009-12-21T14:47:00.002-06:00

Here are a few random pictures that I have taken in the last week or so.

Kayla playing at home one day....she made earings out of her benderoos!

Yip......my Kyle! LOL

Helping with christmas candy

helping me put the rolos on the pretzels (he only ate two)

Scott and the kids took me to Alco to get me a Christmas Present. They didn't have what they wanted to get me......so I picked out this.! ( Don't look at my messy room, that is one of the things on my todo list!)

Christmas Pictures

2009-12-21T14:38:00.002-06:00

I always enjoy choosing a photo for the christmas cards! LOL Maybe I should have went with this first one--You think?

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!!!

Pictures as promised

2009-12-21T14:26:00.002-06:00

These pictures are from the Santa train in Newton. We go to this every year. The kids did awesome this year --no crying.

These are the only two character's Kyle would get his picture taken with. He was a little unsure of the others.

I'm Done

2009-12-16T18:46:00.001-06:00

I'M DONE!!!!!!!! I NOW HAVE A 3 1/2 WEEK BREAK! My only plans are to spend time with my kids.....they deserve all of my attention! (okay and maybe Scott too ;)

Almost done.......

2009-12-14T16:17:00.003-06:00

I'm almost done with my fall semester.....I have one more final on Wednesday. I'm sure my husband and my kids will be just as thankful for that just as much as I am. I told Kayla this morning that I will not be as grouchy tonight. I have 2 test today and then I will be less grouchy tonight...Her response was "that's okay mom, I still love you" It made me cry. Sometimes I feel I should not have done this school thing.....I'm not the best mom right now and that kills me.
The kids seem to be crazier then normal lately.....the "santa's watching you" trick has been working some. I took the kids to see the santa train on the 6th. They were very good while we waited in line for an hour in the cold. Kyle was a bit shy of the characters but didn't cry. They both sat on his lap and all was good.
Scott has been working on the shed quite a bit. We finally have the kitchen enclosed so that it will hold heat and keep the water lines from freezing. I helped him on the door to the main part last night. Once we get the door done we will be on hold for a while. We would like to build up the account a little more. All in due time I say. The kids have been out there "helping" Scott almost every night he is out there. Oh and Mac even rates high enough to be invited into the shed. The kids are really warming up to him finally! Last week one day I though Mac may be gone forever......I got his chain rapped up in the tire of the van......Mac didn't like that too well. He limped around for a couple days but he was fine. It's not the first time I ran a dog over. The guilt......I felt so bad. I ran my grandpa's dalmatian ? (i think) over when I was in high school. I still to this day remember it clear as bell.
I have started making some Christmas candy.....I don't know why I think I have to do all of this stuff. It just adds more stress to my already stressful life! I made some chocolate covered pretzels and some (kid's call them) snowballs....aka.. the Oreo cookie things. I may have some left by Christmas if I can keep Scott out of them.
I finally got my Christmas cards ordered.... I was soooo behind this year. I usually have them out by the first week of December. I sure hope I can get them out by the 23rd! LOL I took a picture of the kids on Sunday and sent it to walmarts website and designed a card. It was fun. I really wanted to put 3 pictures on a card (one of Kayla in her wheelchair right after surgery, and one of Kyle when he buzzed his hair) but that didn't work out. LOL It would have been cute. That's how my year went!
Well, I need to run....off to Kayla's Christmas program! I'll get some pictures up soon.

Thankful for....

2009-11-20T06:54:00.003-06:00

Kyle came home from Linda's on Thursday with a project they did in preschool with Ms. ShellB. They wrote down what they were thankful for and this is Kyle's list....

1. Mom, Dad, and sister

2. Toys

3. My Dad's Shed

4. The color green

5. Girls (Kimberlin and Katelin is what we were told "girls" stood for)

We thought it was pretty cute! Spoken like a true boy!

I am thankful for him!

I recieved what?

2009-11-18T09:02:00.002-06:00

A scholarship......Yes I did! I was completely surprised and am very honored! It's not a big scholarship but it is very much appreciated and will be very useful!!
I have NEVER recieved a gift like this!

The award was from the OCC Foundation based on unmet need as well as my academic performance.

THANK YOU!

Kocher's Whatnot's

2009-11-11T14:33:00.002-06:00

We have been crazy busy around our house lately! The shed finally came to completion (by the Lumber Company). We still have lots of work to be done. We put the shed door up last night with the help of our super, studly, nephew Dusty! THANKS!!!!! We bought this door used by an oil company in town, thanks to our brother-in-law! THANKS!!!!!! I just finished power washing it before the picture was taken. Scott says a new paint job and it will look...well "new"! It's still a little dirty. We still have to get the other garage door ordered and up but we need to get some electricity ran first, so we can get the kitchen part started so that the water pipes don't freeze this winter!
School is going well, I still have A's and B's going in my classes. This past week was a very productive week with GOOD GRADES! Our class is putting a float together for the Christmas parade the Saturday after Thanksgiving in Olney. We have been working hard on that. I built a couple of light boxes....Yes, by myself! All in all things are going good.
Kayla had a doctors appointment in St. Louis last Friday, she received a great report. We don't have to go back for another 3 months, in February! (The week after CANCUN) :) She is enjoying school and seems to be getting along good. Kyle....crazy as ever, He really loves helping dad in the combine and 2-ton! We got our first "teacher's note" home from his preschool teacher last week. LOL Yes already at 3.5 years old. It's just the beginning I'm sure! I don't have any new pictures of the kids but I took a few of the shed. Hopefully this will pacify my dad until he can get over this way ;)
Scott has about 15 acres of corn left and we are done!!!!! So, I think I can say "Life is good, today" :)
Until next time........... Stay safe!

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN THAT RISK THEIR LIVES, SO THAT WE CAN BE FREE!

That's My Pan!

2009-11-04T20:22:00.003-06:00

Okay, so my OCC Radiography class of 2011 is doing a fundraiser....(I know, I hate them too....just work with me:-)) We are selling "That's My Pan".
These are GREAT gifts for Christmas!!!!!!

If your interested go to www.thatsmypan.com and check them out. Then send me an email and I can order it for you. I also have a flyer if you want to look at it....I can get it to you. The money we raise will help us go to LasVagas for a really fun radiography conference.

The pans are really neat! They also have coffee mugs and cutting boards.....they can all be personalized with your name on them! Thanks

Happy Halloween!!!

2009-11-01T14:46:00.003-06:00

We took the kids out trick or treating on Friday night. We just went to a few of the neighbors then met up with Scott's sisters for some Mexican!!!! We also go a BIG surprise!!!!! Scott's sister Amy is going to have another addition to her family! I sure hope Kaiden can handle it! Can't wait until June! Congratulations Amy and Dave!!! On Saturday night we headed towards Island Grove and hit up my sister and my parents......We also got to see my niece and nephews dressed up.....They were cute! Oh, Happy anniversary to my brother Steve and his wife Dawn on their Anniversary today!

Kayla, Jake, Josie, Kaiden, and Kyle

Hannah Montana and Handy Manny

Ashley the deer hunter and Hannah!

(she had to borrow kyle's gun!)

BeautiControl

2009-10-31T09:40:00.002-05:00

I know I haven't posted this before, so many of you don't know that I have been selling BeautiControl make-up and spa products for that last 6 years. I'm not a very good saleswomen;) But I thought I would broadcast it now.....

I love their make-up and just about anything I have tried. So I thought I would just post some of the sales that we are having in November! If you are interested in it, you can go online to www.BeautiControl.com or leave me an email at kocher4@psbnewton.com.

November Sales:

Lip Apeel (reg 19.50) @ 16.55
Spa Sugar Lotion 9reg 15.50) @ 13.50
Lip Glosses (reg 14.00) @ 11.20 (nov 1-19)
Liquid eye Liner (reg 9.50) @ 8.05
Spectulash Thickening primer and maximum length (reg 18.50) @ 15.70
Some items from the following collections are also on sale.
Spa Sugar collection
Spa Brown sugar collection
Show of Hands

Thanks

Someday this will be funny.......

2009-10-26T20:13:00.003-05:00

NOT TODAY!!!!!!! This is a hairdresser's worst nightmare! I could have blended it in using a number on guard on top, but then he would have looked like a cancer patient. So I just used a # 1 around the sides and back and a #2 on top. At least we don't have any pictures coming up.....

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day :-[

Oh and that is marker on his face....I don't want you to get the wrong idea! Notice he's not smiling......he knew better! It's only hair...I know! Someday I will laugh at this.

Oh and this happened in the van after we took supper out to Scott. I stopped at the farm to get something from Clara and I made the kids stay in the van because they had their pj's on. I forgot to take my trimmers and stuff out of the van after cutting my father-in-laws hair a couple of weeks ago.....I guess I have learned my lesson.

Shed update.....

2009-10-26T17:55:00.002-05:00

Here are the most recent pictures of the shed. So far we are pretty pleased with the way things are going. Scott really hasn't been able to walk in the shed :) I am also happy with the colors of the shed. It is so hard to look at swatches and choose your color. I am hoping they will get the rest of the tin up tomorrow. They acted as though they will still be here on Wednesday....... not sure how much longer it will take. I picked up scraps of lumber, tin, and nails and swept it again tonight. It felt good to be outside instead of inside studying :) We are excited to be almost done!

This is the South end of the shed.

Thanks for looking! Hope you all have a good week! Pray for NO RAIN so we can continue to work in the fields.

More pictures of the shed

2009-10-21T21:45:00.002-05:00

I took these pictures this afternoon around 4:00. The South side of the shed has a roof and the bottom part of the siding is up. They said they will be back tomorrow (Thursday) if it is not raining...I know fat chance! Hopefully, they will be back soon!!!!! It looks soooo big! (I wish their trailor was not in the middle of the driveway) Check back soon & Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

2009-10-20T05:00:00.000-05:00

Today is our 8th wedding anniversary! It sure doesn't seem like 8 years. So much has changed in the last few years.....kids, jobs (school), and dreams. Some dreams have come true, some dreams are in the works, and there is always more dreams/goals to work towards. I look forward to many more years of "work" with you, Scott!

October 2001

August 2009

Coming along....

2009-10-19T16:48:00.004-05:00

Yes, the shed is coming along. They started on it last week......it was a crappy week to start.....rain, rain and more rain. They were here 2.5 days last week....Short days I might add. Today, they made progress. Even Kayla noticed!
So, The real reason I am posting is not only for me but also for my dad! I wouldn't want him to miss out on anything!!! ;) I hope you enjoy these dad!

Days 1-3 (half days)

Day 4

The south side, (right side, dad) is just a lean-too for the truck, lawn mower, Bush-Hog, Back-hoe and such. Then there's the main part of the shed. The opening in the front is going to be a big insulated garage door. There is also a sliding door on the back. The north side, (left side) is our enclosed kitchen/bath/shower (also my hydraulic hair cutting chair) with a covered porch on the front. We are very excited to see the shed finally going up.....a dream of ours for about 8 years or so. Stay tuned for pictures as progress is made;)

Chapstick.....white clothes...& washing don't mix!

2009-10-11T18:38:00.003-05:00

Yes, I washed a tube of strawberry chapstick in with my clothes yesterday and dryed them without realizing it! I bleached it and it still didn't come out......so I googled it and ....Whala dishsoap takes chapstick out!!! Thank goodness......My WHITE clinical shirt was spotted pink! Not anymore!

The New Girl!

2009-10-10T16:57:00.003-05:00

For the past year my sister and I have been trying to hold off on my niece Brookes only request..... she wanted her hair permed! So, we finally gave in and today I permed Brooke's hair! Brooke you look FANTASTIC!!!!!!!

Fall Cleaning

2009-10-10T16:45:00.002-05:00

Last weekend Scott's sisters and I got together to clean at Harold and Clara's house! The boys were in the field. Clara made chicken on the grill, mashed tators, and noodles! It was all very good. We also celebrated Clara's Birthday! I won't tell you how OLD she is ;) LOL Here are some of the pictures that were taken.

This is a picture of all the grandkids that were present!

Me and Kaiden!!!

The latest events

2009-10-07T07:33:00.004-05:00

The last few months have certainly flown by. School has definately been keeping me busy.....working on some projects and studying for test. I'm still making A's & B's......and that's pretty good for this mom!
So Kayla is walking really well now. She still as a limp of sort but it's getting better. Things are slowly getting back to normal.

Scott and Kyle are getting into the harvest almost full blown....We have had some late night service calls through Newton Implement or Farm Pride....(whatever you want to call it). Kyle really enjoys the combine and two-ton this year.

A few weeks ago it was Homecoming here in Newton. I had the pleasure of assisting 3 of the 5 queen canidates with their hair......Jamie Mahaffey, Kimberlin Wallace, and our 2009 Homecoming queen Miss Lucy Emmerich!!! Congrats to Lucy! I finally got a queen ;) When I took the picture Jamie was no where in site...sorry Jaime.....you were beautiful!

Mac has settled in to his new home and is growing!!!! The kids are much more comfortable with him now.....Kyle loves to run in the yard and play fetch with him!

Last Saturday on the 3rd of October I was able to work at the Health Fair at OCC for the OCC Radiography Program. It was neat to see all the people their helping others!

Last night Kayla and I went to the NCHS Volley for a Cure...a great success! And the girls beat Salem! They raised a bunch of money for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer foundation. What a great evening and a wonderful thing for the high school kids to be apart of!

A few weeks ago when Kayla was trying to walk I bribed her with an homemade ice cream cone, After she walked (by herself) I made her the icecream cone.....with chocolate on top!

September sure flew by i'm sure october will too! This week we have Parent/Teacher conferences so no school on Friday or on Monday for Columbus day! Yay!!! It will be Christmas before we know it! Until next time..............

She did it.....

2009-09-21T20:23:00.003-05:00

Kayla walked tonight!!!!!! I was only holding on to the back of her pants! She got a 2-scope icecream cone when she was done!!!

New Addition to the family....

2009-09-19T12:56:00.003-05:00

HeHeHe......meet Mack! My brother Doug had another litter...and we got one. He's a golden Lab! He is really laid back and does not jump on the kids.....He is a perfect fit for us! the kids are not really sure about dogs, so with him being so laid back it works out great. Doug said he is going to be a BIG dog!

Weeks fly by!

2009-09-14T18:35:00.002-05:00

The last few weeks have flown by so fast......I'll start with Labor Day weekend. Friday night the kids and I went to the Newton Eagles first home football game. I love football, too bad they lost. The kids and I went to the Ste. Marie Picnic for some ice cream on 6th and then to Ingraham on the 7th for the tractor pull and some chicken. On the way home we stopped at my good friend, Carrie's house and had a great time visiting. Wish we had more time to do that! This last weekend we attended my cousin Katie's wedding. It was a great time. Katie and Matt, I wish the best for you both! On Sunday, we had a Subway dinner at Scott's parents house with the family! Then we attended Grandparents day at Willow Hill School. Kayla, Grandma and Grandpa Kocher, Grandma & Grandpa Meinhart and I enjoyed a movie and popcorn together. I thought they had a great turnout! It's been pretty uneventful lately....... School is going well, I go to Olney two days a week and to Effingham St. Anthony's hospital two days a week. I spend most of my free time on Sunday studying for my two test I had today and I am proud to say I got an A & a B on those! Very pleased with those grades. Clinicals are going well.....still trying to master all the machines and the new environment. Kayla is doing much better this week... She is walking (with help) she is still too scared to put all of her weight on it! She is still adjusting to Kindergarten......we had our moments.....I think she is starting to enjoy it more! Kyle has been helping is dad at the farm a lot lately...... But tonight both kids are home with me tonight..... playing.....NOT fighting.....I know....AMAZING isn't it!
Medical bills are coming.....and coming.....Thank the lord for Blue Cross and Aflac!!!!!
Funny story......The kids really enjoy the song "Toes" by the Zac Brown Band.....Needless to say, they Babysitter doesn't think that the song is appropriate to sing......at her house anyway, So now we say "toes in the water, Bottoms in the sand, Life is good today, Yea, Life is good today!!!!! Scott and I enjoy this song as well as the kids...... Life is good!
Until next time.........

Fun in St. Louis

2009-08-29T17:35:00.005-05:00

Kayla had a Dr. Appointment with her surgen, Dr. Gordan, in St. Louis on Friday.......she got a very good report. We can see new bone growth on the x-ray and he said he wanted to see her again in a month. Hopefully, she can walk in to his office by then!
Since we had to go to St. Louis for the Dr. appointment we made it an all day trip and got St. Louis Cardinal tickets! We had seats in the bleachers behind the bullpin but got them upgraded to Wheelchair section. We were seated to the left of the fowl ball pole down the first base line! Great seats. We all had a great time, the kids did very well. Before the game we stopped at Union Station and ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. Then we went to the stadium.

Some nice lady offered to take our family picture!

Kayla wanted to take a picture of us and she took it!

Smoltz's warming up

Pujols at bat when he hit the game winning Home Run

Pujols crossing home plate

Fred Bird at the end of the game, the kids couldn't get enough of him!

We got to see an AWESOME game. Greene and pujols hit homeruns! Great Memories!

More work on the shed

2009-08-29T17:24:00.004-05:00

So last weekend we trenched all of our water, sewer, and electrical lines to the new shed. We are so glad to have that done. So, now we are just waiting on Niebrugge Lumber to start building. They should be around in the next week or two, hopefully! Here are a few pictures that I took. Thanks to Gary, Dusty, Jake, and Fisher, OH-- Scott and Kyle too.

We had a nice evening on Saturday evening. We decided to have a wiener roast after the lines were all trenched.....It was a great night to sit around the fire. Thanks to everyone for all your help!

Until next time.....

Off to School

2009-08-21T10:02:00.003-05:00

I sent my brave little girl off to school today......I asked her if she was scared, nervous or excited, she said excited! I wish it would have been more traditional with a bus and all but it all went good. The bus however did stop at our house this morning....Paul must have forgot.....but I think he remembered when I waved him on! She sure doesn't look like she has a broken leg does she?

Kayla mommy and daddy are so proud of you for being so brave this last

couple of weeks!

We Love You!

Trying out the wheelchair

2009-08-17T16:13:00.003-05:00

I got Kayla up and in her wheelchair today. She didn't want to.....but now she is having a ball. She even knows how to turn around and stuff! School may be a posibility now!

Pictures of the x-rays

2009-08-16T11:27:00.004-05:00

Things are going well, Mom got out of the house last night to enjoy some time with family and friends at my cousins wedding. Congratulations to Adam and Jaclyn Jansen! We were able to take Kayla's Bandage off today and give her a bath. It was a little rough but we made it! I also wanted to post her x-rays that were taken right befor surgery and during or right after.

This last one is after the surgery. The knee is at the bottom of the x-ray. That is where the nails went in. Tapped in with a hammer! They cut the x-ray off before the break....hopefully I'll get a copy of it at a later time. AMAZING isn't it? Enjoy your day!

More pictures

2009-08-15T11:11:00.003-05:00

Here are a few more pictures of the hospital. The 8th Floor had a Garden. It was beautiful.

This is a view out of the window on the 3rd floor (i think) This is the caf. or dining room. Kayla wanted a picture of the balloon.

This was just taken a little while ago. She has everything she needs. Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers and the gifts! They are all very much appreciated!

Different lil' girl

2009-08-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

So, last night was a good night......Kayla only woke up once because of a little accident and to get her meds. Her Tylenol and Oxycodone is lasting about 5 hours.

So, I'll fill you in on the time line of this adventure. I think the fell took place around 6:30-7. We called 911 immediately, We also called our brother in law (Gary L) he is on the rescue squad. Gary showed up first and then the ambulance. They loaded her up and Kayla and I rode to Effingham in the ambulance. She slept all they way to Effingham. We got to ER and got our favorite nurse.....Marcia Street. They ambulance went back to Newton to switch drivers and fill up and came back to Effingham to get us and take us to Children's in St. Louis. (It was cheaper for us to us Jasper county) We arrived at Children's at about midnight. (Long rough ride, Kayla slept) The Doctor finally came in to see her and they took more x-rays and he straightened her leg a little and then tied 6 pounds of weight to the bottom of her foot. To keep is straight and to pull the bones away from the muscles. You can see it in the pictures below. She got taken to her room on the 12th floor (10th floor was full) at around 4:00 am Thursday morning

These first two pictures were taken on Thursday before surgery.

She was waking up about every five minutes from the pain. She was having muscle spasms.

They had her on Morphine and Valium (Sp?)

Her first gift! That is a small smile

They finally came and got her for Surgery around 2:15-2:30. That was the hardest thing..... Scott, my dad and I were all crying like babies. I kept telling myself not to cry infront of her but it was so hard. Surgery only took about 1 hour and 10 minutes. During that time, Scott and I went down to the computers and put up an update on my blog and then went to the caf. to eat (our first meal since it happened) We went back to recovery and sat down for 5 min (maybe) and they called and said everything went great and that we could go see her.

The top picture is right after surgery

The bottom picture is Friday morning.

She had some special visitors, Doctor ICU.....a clown. She was in some pain so she wasn't really in to him! Also, She had a four-legged dalmation puppy come in for a visit too. Again, she didn't really care! This all happened on Thursday before Surgery.

My brother Steve came over on Thursday evening to get my dad and take him home. Then we all settled down and got some much needed sleep on Thursday night, she only woke up twice. The nurses didn't bother us at all unless we needed them. Friday morning she was up early, much earlier than Scott and I were ready for. She ate breakfast and I went down to floor #8 to get some crafts and books for her. Our biggest problem on Thursday night and Friday was trying to get her to let us take her in the bathroom to go potty. The physical Therapist came in around noon on Friday and with a bit more of a challenge we got her up and in a wheel chair and took her to see the rest of the hospital. It was definately a challenge. Then dad came back with new clothes and undies (they had to cut her clothes off of her at Effingham) we finally get her up and on the toilet and took another stroll around the hospital just to show dad. Then, they gave us our walking papers! On the way home we stopped at Grandma Sandy's house to wash her hair, and to see all of her cousins. (Thanks guys) Then we finally got to go see Kyle......We were all missing him! Then we went on home and slept. It's great to be home!

Home Sweet Home

2009-08-14T20:30:00.000-05:00

We are home.......tired.......grouchy..........post pictures tomorrow!

On the mend

2009-08-14T09:09:00.002-05:00

Good Morning! Kayla had a good night. She is on Tylonol and oxycodine??? Not sure about that last one. She is off the morphine. Slept very well, as did I. (the power of IB Profen) She was up at 6 this morning. She ate bacon and eggs, yogut and choc milk for breakfast. She has finally let us sit her up in bed.....she is scared that if she moves it is going to hurt. I think once that fear is gone......we will wish it was back! She got to talk to julie, nancy, grandma and granpa Kocher and Linda and the daycare kids! Busy morning!!! But well needed! She will have physical therapy this morning and hopefully be on our way home this afternoon! Again, Thanks for all they well wishes! I did happen to have my camera in my purse :) and have been taking pictures. I will get them posted as soon as I get home! Until next time........

Update

2009-08-13T16:30:00.003-05:00

Kayla got out of surgery about 3:45 or so. It went great. 2 nails put in and no cast...and she will not have a cast either. AMAZING! She is still sleeping at this time she did wake up and gave us both a big hug. Her pain is not near as bad. Still has morphin in her. resting comforable! Doc says she can put weight on it when ever she is ready, but she will be scared to do so. It may be 3 weeks before she can get around. She can go to school in a wheelchair if she is ready.
Thank you all so much for the prayers (I heard you Face Book) LOL They were all felt. Jasper county is great. Thanks so much to the Jasper County Ambulance crew...Julie and her husband...sorry can't remember your name! You were great and made me feel so much better. Also, to Thanks Gary lindemann and Fish Head!!!LOL for being so fast! Kayla let everyone know that Kyle pushed her off the slide and put a hole in her pool this week. LOL I'm sure this is only one of many! We both feel so much better. God is GREAT! I'll keep you posted!

First Broken Bone......

2009-08-13T14:16:00.000-05:00

Kyle pushed Kayla off the slide last night and she broke her femur bone up high. she is in surgery now at Childrens (GREAT PLACE) I will try tokeep you all posted if Kayla allows me to. thanks for all the prayers they are being felt!

"Major" problem

2009-08-10T17:50:00.005-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, Scott was spraying the beans behind the house and I was making super(steak, and corn on the cob!) for my parents. They were coming for a visit, they don't make it over too often and but we love it when they do come. We try to always make steak and such. Anyways, Kayla comes running into the house and says "Mom, we have a major problem, Kyle poked a hole in the pool" So we ran out and checked it and there was about a 2 inch gash in it. Scott shoved a garbage bag through it hoping it would hold until we found some glue and a patch...... Not much luck. Scott went out to check it when mom and dad left and it only had a foot of water in it! It also had a hole in the top ring so, needless to say we may try to get an end of the year deal at walmart.
*** I forgot to mention that Kyle drove his battery operated Rhino into the pool!!! He said Kayla (who was in the pool) wash going to wash his Rhino!

The shed is coming along

2009-08-10T17:04:00.005-05:00

The concrete work for our shed started last week Thursday and Friday and continued today. They should only have a day or two left depending on the rain. So I'm going to post the pictures that I have taken so far. They are ready to pour the walls tomorrow morning and they will pour the porch last. Our Shed is 40 X 30 foot with a 16 foot lean too on each side. The north side lean too is going to have 3/4 of it enclosed and the other part is going to be a porch. (really nice size porch) The first two pictures are them trenching the footers.

This is them laying the orange water lines that heat and cool the concrete (eventually anyways)

They are pouring the concrete in the enclosed portion of the shed (the kitchen and bath area).

Gramps stopped by to watch the guys work, so I got him a nice chair and a glass of tea. Hope he enjoyed it!

More pictures to come!!!!!!!!

Working too hard

2009-08-08T16:48:00.003-05:00

I didn't get to go to the bridal shower today, Sorry Sarah! I had to help my husband at the farm. He has been working so hard. So, I have been helping in any way I can. I wish I had more muscle! He's been working on the farm solo the last few months. I guess 50/50 isn't 50/50 anymore. Looks like we are giving 100%. In the long run it will be worth it. Scott is giving his parents everything he can and not looking back! Reminds me of my dad, only back in the day, I didn't think it was fair, all work no play. It's a pride thing, I get it now. Thanks Grandpa Gary! Love you!

Final Grades

2009-08-08T09:50:00.003-05:00

I finally recieved my final grades for my first semester in the Rad program! 3- A's and 2 - B's ! So my overall GPA is a 3.82! She only bumped up one of my B's to an A. That's better than nothing!
The concrete for the shed is moving along. They have the forms, insulation, wire, and the pipe (for the heated floor) all in and ready for the concrete to be poured on Monday. And hopefully they will back on tuesday to pour the walls.
We have a bridal shower to go to today and then we are heading to Montrose campground to visit some family and friends and listen to some good music! Hope everyone out there is having a good weekend. I can't believe the summer is about over!
Until next time.....

Exciting Day!

2009-08-06T13:19:00.002-05:00

Today has been an exciting day already and it's only 1:20pm! Smithenry Trenching is starting our concrete work today for our shed! So we took the afternoon off to watch!

Also I got my clinical assignment via email today. I get to go to St. Anthony's with Ronda Jansen. I an super excited about that!

Pictures of the shed will follow soon!

One down....5 to go!

2009-08-04T14:49:00.003-05:00

Well, today I finished my first semester in the Radiography program. I just checked my grades and I have a 91.23%, 91.34% and a 91.51%. Now, a bottom A is a 92 and she said she has been known to bump a person up based on attendance and such. I have only missed 1 hour of class all summer. Do you think she will bump me up? If she does GREAT!!!!! If she doesn't ...i'm okay with that too! I'll keep you all posted on my final grades and where my clinical site may be this fall!

Tumbling has come to a end!

2009-08-02T09:59:00.003-05:00

Kayla has been attending the Tumble Zone in Olney for a while now. She has come a long way, but decided she didn't want to tumble anymore. So this last Thursday was her last night. A big THANK YOU goes out to Shana for teaching Kayla the basics! Kayla can do her cartwheel and her round-off now. Watch Shana!!!

Ready for Kindergarten

2009-08-02T08:18:00.003-05:00

Last night, Scott, the kids and I went to Church (which was much better for us this week), out to eat and then to Walmart to help Kayla pick out her school supplies! She has been telling me the last few days that she wants a Barbie bookbag and Barbie folders. We found most of her stuff right away. Kayla and Scott took charge and I read of the list and took pictures ;) I enjoyed having Scott here for this, it was so fun for the both of them. She had a pretty long list: 2 bottles of glue and glue sticks (had to be elmer's) 8 boxes of crayons, 5 folders and more! crazy!!!! Anyway, we then went on to look for bookbags. We look at all th e $9 ones and then Scott said "Hey Angie, there are some more over here $15 ones" Thanks Honey! So we go and look for Barbie.....I was kinda getting worried......Then she found it......Her Barbie Bookbag! She was one happy girl. So was I, it was only $7! I wonder how long it will last? LOL Kayla is now ready for Kindergarten Open House on the 13th. Is Mom and Dad ready? Time sure does fly!

Summer update!

2009-07-29T17:23:00.002-05:00

Okay, so the last few weeks have been really busy for me. Lot's of test and homework. But nothing I can't handle. :) I have 2 tests tomorrow and one final and a abdomen Lab exam on Monday. Then on Tuesday I have two more finals. Then I will be done and have a little summer break before I go back for the fall semester on the 24th. Currently, I am getting B's in all my classes (3). I am really close the the A/B border (Bottom A is a 92). I am pleased with that!
Today, I got out of class early and went to the High School to register Kayla for Kindergarten. I can't believe that I am doing this already. Time sure does fly by! We go to meet her teacher and tour her school on the 13th. Next on the list of things to do : Buy School supplies...it was always my favorite time!
In the next few weeks we are hoping to get our concrete poured and our shed put up. We are just waiting on the concrete guys. I hope we can get a good start on it while I'm off on break. Scott is planning to take a few days off to help them and we are hoping to squeeze in a day of swimming at the olney pool as a family(....maybe Holiday World).
The kids are doing pretty good. We had Kayla at the Dr. on Wednesday this week. She was doubled over with stomach pain at Linda's (NOT common for Kayla). Linda was really worried and called Scott. He picked her up and called me. 2 hours after the pain started she was still crying. So we decide to visit the Dr. The Dr. checked her out and said "I think you need to poop, Kayla" Kayla likes to wait several days to poop but has never had this kind of trouble! We came home and she did her job and all was good! LOL
I will try to get some goods pictures of the kids(and hopefully, our shed) while I am on break and post them. Until next time........................

Ang

Prayers going out....

2009-07-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Volk family.

Less Clutter

2009-07-20T17:10:00.003-05:00

I don't have a whole lot to post on today but I felt like posting something so here goes a whole lot of nothing. Last week was a very stressful week. We had a few issues going on at home/farm and I had a few tests to study for. It was a very long week. I was so happy for the weekend. Friday I worked until 2. I had 3 colors at work....one of which was a girl who wanted BRIGHT red hair with purple chuncks! NOT my cup of tea but whatever. I made money and thats all that matters. LOL My hands were stained the color magenta all weekend! Friday afternoon my soon to be sister in law and I had a garage sale in Heartville. She started it on Thursday and ended it on Saturday. I got rid of most of my baby/toddler clothes. And I made over $200! (Then today I went grocery shopping and that $200 went out the window!) Saturday night Scott and I took the kids to eat mexican then we went driving around and put the kids to sleep ;) Sunday Scott took the kids to the farm with him so that I could catch up on some homework. I have a couple test this week plus a presentation due on Wednesday (which has been done for a while now). We also took the kids down to the sandbars on Sunday evening. There was a group of our neighbors there so the kids got to play with the neighbor kids. All in all it was a good weekend. Now it's back to work and studying. I'm ready for a break! Some of you know that my kids are somewhat scared of dogs. The following picture is my two playing with Gus, Carries (sister-in-law) dog. They were playing with Carries Barbies. When they finally warmed up to him, He got smart and wanted nothing to do with Kyle! LOL Poor Gus.

Well, there's my whole lot of nothing. My husband and kids are home now and super is waiting. Cube steak, Mashed Potatoes and corn. Can't wait.......Studying makes me hungry! ;)
Until next time........

Our time with Kaiden Lee!

2009-07-18T06:42:00.003-05:00

I know this post is a little late, but it's been a very busy week for us. Lots of homework and garage sale stuff and such. These pictures are from last weekend. We had Kaiden, Dave and Amy's little boy, stay with us on saturday night. We all had a blast. The kids had a ball playing outside and at the farm. We really enjoyed our SHORT time with Kaiden. He fit in very well. His listening skills are about even wit my kids........NONE! LOL

Kaiden we had so much fun with you last weekend. Please come back and stay again!

Uncle Scott showing Kaiden how to run the backhoe!

All Kocher!! LOL

Please Help Support ARC!!!!!

2009-07-16T19:59:00.001-05:00

Car Wash and Gas Sales to benefit ARC Community Support Systems

Ordner BP
Saturday, July 18 th
Montrose, I-70 Exit 105

Car Wash is $ 10 for Both Interior and Exterior Cleanup

All Gas Sales for the day go to ARC too!

Help spread the word to make this a BIG success!
Be sure to thank Don for his generosity!

Tonya Blair
Administrative Secretary
ARC Community Support Systems
618 West Main Street
Teutopolis , IL 62467
Office: 217-857-3186 Ext. 101
Cell: 217-821-8286 Fax: 217-857-6343

4th of July weekend

2009-07-06T12:15:00.004-05:00

Sorry, but this post may be short. I don't have too much time!

We had a great weekend. I got out of class early on Thursday and got caught up on some homework that is due at the end of the month. Saturday we had plans to go to the lake with Dan and Ronda but that got postponed to Sunday. So instead we all took a four hour nap!!!! (Scott only slept for about 1.5 hours) It was GREAT

Sunday we went to Lake Shelbyville. We had a great time. The kids suprised me a little. Caught Dieterich's fireworks (AWESOME) I got out of class early again today (not complaining) So I have lot's of work to do.

We are having a garage sale at Ken's place on the 18th so I need to get busy! Hope you all had a good 4th.

Skipper's!!

Kayla tubing

Me and Kyle tubing for the first time!

Kyle in the tube for first time. Not moving!

Kayla and Keely tubing in background

Down On The Farm

2009-06-29T21:46:00.002-05:00

Tonight we baled straw. Kayla and I had the job of raking! We raked with BushHog (utility). She whined the entire time. Kyle is grounded from the farm (who knew this would start this so young) for throwing toys a Jackson at the daycare today. He has had a few bad weeks....... so he is on a no farm, no tractor grounding. He had to stay in the house with grandma Clara tonight......I'm sure it wasn't all the bad;) Needless to say, the baler isn't working worth a S**T! So I'm not really sure it is going to get done tonight. After we finish that we only have 15 more acres to plant....then we are DONE planting!!!!! Hope everyone else is getting along okay! Gota study! Until next time.......