Its been far too long

So I haven't been on here in forever....I went from being a good blogger to being a never blogger again. I think I get too caught up in facebook posting and forget that this blog is what really needs attention. Anyway all is well with us Gripentrog's, nothing much to report.
My best friends mother is dying of stage 4 cancer. She was not expected to make it through the week, but she is still hanging on. I have been able to spend some special time with her lately. She is such a special lady. I have found it extremely healing to be able to be with her. It was very hard for me to be with my mom when she was sick. I have a lot of guilt that I did not spend more time with her. So it has been nice to be able to be there for Jackie and her mom.
I know in just a short while she will be up in heaven with my mom, and that warms my heart, if even just a bit....

Outdoor movie night!!!

Every summer I drag our old TV out onto the back porch so that the kids can enjoy a movie outside. We bought lots of snack and they layed out blankets! Everyone got comfy and enjoyed the movie HOOK, under the stars!!! And yes, I dragged that TV out all by myself with the help of the dolly in the background...what a mom....

What did I ever do without these girls???

Just want to give a shout out to my girls!!! These are some of the most amazing women I have ever met. We met at MOPS a few years ago, because we were all at the same table. At the time we came together on the common ground of motherhood. Over the years, however, these ladies have become my support, a shoulder to cry on when times are rough, and someone to laugh with harder than I've ever laughed before. I think that we are lucky in life to find a few good friends, but to find 8 ladies, that you can count on no matter what, well that's amazing!! Love you ladies!!

My new little addition

My little baby boy Toby!

I still can't believe she's gone.....

Tomorrow, July 17th, marks the one year anniversary of when my mother went to heaven. Its still so hard for me to believe she is actually gone. I still find myself picking up the phone occasionally to call her, or driving by her old house and think I should stop by.
Not a day goes by that I don't wish she were here to see her beautiful grandchildren as they continue to grow. Especially little Kaylee who was so young when she passed. I have a mix of sadness and relief as I miss her so much, but am glad that she is no longer in a place of suffering.
I still think about her everyday, and glance at the picture of her that sits beside my bed each night before I go to sleep. I still tell the kids stories about her, and try to keep her fresh in their little memories as well.
Yet, nothing that you do can replace that emptiness inside your chest...the longing to hear her laugh, to see her smile. I look forward to the nights that my dreams are filled with her, and if even for a minute we are together again.
I miss you mom, more and more with each passing day!
I wanted to commemarate this day by doing something...Im not really a cemetary person, or someone who wants to cry over home movies all day. I wanted to do something that could remind me forever, not just on these anniversaries. So in memory of my mom, I have created a website. http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/donnaharris/homepage.aspx
It is just the beginning, and I hope that all of you who loved her or knew her, or even those of you who just know of her through me, will visit this site. I want as many people as possible to know who she was, and to remember her.
So please feel free to visit the site, and leave a message in the guest book, share stories about her, or pictures from the past.
As always, I appreciate your love and support....

We thought that our family was complete.......

We thought that we were finished, our family was complete....but surprised its a boy....





Little Toby Gripentrog, a 7 week old Bichon Frese, joined our family yesterday. He is the sweetest little puppy in the world, loves to be held, and cuddled. He will only grow to be about 10 lbs, and 10-12 inches tall. Best of all he loves kids and never sheds. We are so happy with our newest addition....finally we are complete.

The best vacation EVER!!

So as some of you may already know, we were in Florida last week for our 10 day vacation! I just wanted to give a few more details about our trip.
We started out Flying for COS to Dallas. Kaylee was pretty antsy on the flight, but overall she did okay, and didnt bother anyone too much. Our next flight was from Dallas to Orlando. What would you know, but 10 minutes after take off both tyler and Kaylee were fast asleep, for the entire flight! YAH! I actually got to enjoy the onboard movie, "new in town" which was really cute!
We began our vacation at the Nickelodeon Hotel, in Orlando. Wow, what a hotel. We had a great room, complete with a bunkbed room for the kiddos, their own tv, playstation and table. Then a room for Todd and I, with a queen size bed. And a bathroom, living room, and sink and fridge. The whole room was "jimmy nuetron" themed which Tyler thought was wonderful! It had 2 huge waterparks, complete with 4 huge waterslides, that even Tyler could go down himself. Grandma, and Grandpa even took a ride or two down! It had its own Mall with and arcade, food court, convenience store, shops, and 4D movie theater. We were able to have breakfast with all the nick characters, including their favorite, Spongebob! We also got a private cabana with our package, that included a ceiling fan, fridge, flatscreen tv, lounge chairs, towel service,table and a cabana girl. This was really a god send, and a great way to get out of the sun, and have a place that Kaylee could relax and play. Not to mention, Todd and Grandpa were able to catch some of the US open. This hotel was awesome, and I would definately recommend it to anyone with children. Their website is www.nickhotel.com
Next it was off to New Smyrna beach, FL, about an hour outside of Orlando. We had rented a beach house there, not knowing what it might end up being like, compared to the pics online, or what the town might be like. Let me start by saying it is an understatement to say that we were pleasantly surprised. NOt only was the house we rented large enough for our family, Todd's parents, Todd's sister and family, and his aunt vicky, it was truly a half of block away from the beach. Not just any beach, a clean, beautiful beach, that was never ever crowded, had perfect beach sand, was super clean, and the water temp averaged around 80 degrees. The house was beautiful and spacious, and had its very own pool in the backyard. It had tons of pools toys and beach toys for our use. Every kitchen utensil you can imagine, beautiful linens and great furniture. I hadn't even left and we were already planning our return next summer. To be perfectly honest, I have already contacted the owner and had him pencil us in for the same time next year....The town was so cute and quaint, with souvenier shops, and ice cream stores within walking distance. Grocery stores and even walmart for shopping only a short drive away. Everyone was friendly and kind, and the leasing agent told us that she has never locked her door once in 12 years of living there.
All around this can be described as the best vacation I think that I have ever been on. IT was so relaxing, so fun, and so affordable. So if anyone is looking for a great place to vacation with your family let me know and I will give you more info!! We are even thinking about buying a vacation home here someday......