86/365: Behind Enemy Lines

Today was a beautiful, but cold night in Gettysburg, PA. We
got up early and headed to breakfast and the battlefield. It was
great to learn about one of the biggest battles in the Civil War.
We saw tons of monuments and statues, Ashley and Kaylynn even
climbed "Big Round" Mountain. We took the auto tour, which talked
about all that happened during the 3 long days of battle. Got some
great pictures of the battlefield and the kids. After another long
day, we headed to Leesburg, which is were we will be all week. After
checking in to our new "home", it was off to dinner. At a nice family
dinner at "Blue Ridge Grill" then back to the hotel to rest. D.C.
bound in the morning.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

85/365: Here At Last

It was a really long night! Eric and I switched on and
off driving all night. It was a long day as well, all
the kids did great. Most of the time we were sleeping
on and off or listening to the "Lost Symbol". Of course
we stopped to eat and stretch our legs, but a good road
trip no the less. We finally made it to Gettysburg around
3:30pm, so we decided to go ahead and check into hotel. Then,
we decided to have dinner and call it a night. Battlefield
tomorrow, its going to b great.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

84/365: Hit the Road

Its going to be an exciting day around the Villa. We
are getting ready for our big trip. Everything is ready
and waiting for daddy to get home. Connor and I dropped
Kaylynn off at school and headed to get Ashley, since
she got out of early. We picked up Ashley and headed
back to get Kaylynn and make some last minute prep work
for the trip. Once we got home, Ashley agreed to watch
the kids so I could get some sleep. When Daddy got home,
it was time to pack the car and leave. Connor went to sleep
no problem, but Kaylynn not so much! Its going to be a long
night 2hrs down; 16 to go!
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

83/365: Cleaning Day

Today was a really, really long day at the Villa. Been
super busy getting us ready for our big trip. Packing,
cleaning, doing laundry and everything else takes alot
out of a mommy. We started out early again, then it was
off to drop Kaylynn off at school. After that, it was back
home for Connor and I to continue to get more stuff ready.
After Kaylynn got home all heck broke loose, she was into
everything and all over the place. When daddy got home
we had to go to Sam's and Walmart to pick up some last minute
supplies for trip. Then home for dinner and bed for the kids
and subway and relaxing for mommy and daddy.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

82/365: Pamper Day

Today was a great day for mommy! Connor and Kaylynn
got up early again, which is really working out in
my favor. It seems I get allot done between the time
we get up and the time we have to leave to take Kaylynn
to school. After dropping Kaylynn off, Connor and I
headed to get mommy's nails done. Then it was time for
mommy to get her hair cut, Connor was wonderful and flirted
with all the girls. After all of mommy's pampering, we
headed home for lunch and a lite nap. Then it was off to
pick up Kaylynn and play outside until daddy got home.
Had a wonderful day and it ended even better with chicken
fried steak and mashed potatoes for dinner.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

81/365: Tinkerbell damage

What a day? It started off great and went downhill from there.
Trying to get us and the house ready for our trip is more
stressful then I thought it would be. But let's start at the
beginning, Kids got up alittle earlier then usual, which gave
me time to do my little chores. Then it was in the car and off
to Aunt Molly's, but we got halfway there when she called to
tell us that they were not home. After all that driving we headed
to Accessory City to see if they had any cute girl/boy tote bags
for mommy to use on the trip. After looking for about 20 minutes,
we left to get lunch for the kids and a nap. After naps, we played
and worked in the yard, which was awhole new problem. Kaylynn now
thinks she is Tinkerbell and has to collect all my flower pods to
take them to the mainland (you may need to brush up on your Tinkerbell
to understand that last part), so now none of my day lillies are
going to bloom. After daddy got home it was dinner and bed for the
kids and much needed relaxing for mommy!
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

80/365: Missing Mommy

Been a busy day on our side of the world. Got up early and
started working on packing the kids clothes, plus laying
out what they are going to wear this coming week. I know
I have OCD and have to have things done and perfect. Today
was a rough day for me personally, I guess doing all the
stuff for Tracie's mother, really made me miss having one
of my own. I was just Kaylynn's age when my mother passed
away and it has been an uphill struggle for me, my whole
life. I often have days or moments when the pain of her
not being here makes it hard for me to breathe. It has
gotten really worse the last few years; my rock that helped
me hold it together(my grandfather) passed away in 2003 and
do to conflicting family matters my grandmother is no longer
part of my life. I guess the biggest problem with my mother
not being here is I feel like I have no family left. Even
though I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children,
I feel i am missing that family connection. I am thankful for
everything I have, but I do miss what I don't.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

79/365: Big Day at Fortune House

Today was the big day! Trace and I have been working for
a week cleaning and painting her mom and dads house, to
surprise her mom. I think we did a great job, but Shannon
and Chris really out did themselves with the new bar.
Mrs and Mr. Fortune really liked it. It was great to see
her mom in stock and her dad so happy. I am so honored
to have them not only in my life but my children's. After
leaving there it was off to Aunt Penny's to pick up Grandma
Bonsall's old blue porch bench, to put on my porch. It is
great to go out there and visit. Kaylynn and Connor got to
see Peanuts puppies and be loved on by everyone. Kaylynn got
to love on Thomas and Ashley, which was right up her alley.
Then it was home for dinner and bed for the kids and dinner and
TV for mommy and daddy. Next week is going to be a busy one.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

78/365: Conflict in Luxor

At 3:30 am on Saturday morning, March 19, 2011, men with guns broke into the storage magazine of the German expedition working at Kom el Hettan, the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III, famous for the colossi of Memnon. The expedition is headed by Hourig Sourouzian and Ranier Stadelmann. The criminals, who had covered their faces, tied up the site guards and were able to steal two statues. Some of the guards suffered injuries; one had to be taken to the hospital for a head wound.
The first stolen objects was the upper part of a statue of Sekhmet, the goddess of war and healing, measuring 59 cm; and the second object was the life-size head of an unidentified goddess, measuring 38 cm. The statue of Sekhmet had only been uncovered a few days prior to the theft. The police and army were quickly notified of the theft, and in less than 24 hours, the perpetrators were found, and the stolen statues were located and returned to   the magazine. The theft was planned by a 33 year old sculptor in Luxor who makes replicas to sell to tourists. In his house, the authorities found many other stolen antiquities from other sites, including pottery of various shapes and sizes. The sculptor also admitted to making illegal excavations at several sites. In all, ten people were involved with the theft of the two statues. A sister of one of the criminals said that her 21 years old brother used to work for the German expedition and knew where the storage magazine was and knew what was kept inside.
I believe that this situation unfortunately shows one of the biggest mistakes made by the police; despite the fact that I appointed 8,000 well-educated site guards; the police refused to arm and train them to use weapons. Now thieves and criminals can attack the unarmed site guards because the police are not there to provide assistance.

77/365: Teething Friday

Today was a rough day, for everyone in the Villa. Kaylynn
and Connor are both teething and cranky. Which means mommy
is stressed and moody. Even though it is one of those days,
I still have tons to do, clean the house, do the dishes and
finish the laundry. The big trip is just one week away, which
translates into mommy is all work. We didnt get to see Aunt
Tracie today, I didnt want to add anymore cranky children to
the mix, but I can wait to see what she got done today. Daddy
is on call this weekend, so late nights alone with the kids on
the way. It is always rough being a single mom two nights a
week and every third weekend...lol!
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

76/365: Happy St. Patty's

Happy St. Patrick's day! This is one of my favorite days
of the year. It is a celebration of my family past and present.
For the past two years we have hosted a children's playdate at
our house. We had a wonderful time getting to visit and meet
new moms to the group and the area. The kids enjoyed it too.
The house looked great and the cake turned out wonderful(but they
always done when Eric makes them). Before everyone got here I
took the kids out in the front yard and got some really good
pictures. The party went wonderful and after it was over the
kids and I took naps with was also great. Playdate down, now
time to start getting ready for trip. After daddy came home
we went shopping and then back home for dinner and bed for
everyone.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

75/365: Getting ready

Busy day in the Villa today. Kaylynn got dropped off
at "school" at 9am. Connor and I came home to clean,
straighten and get ready for our St Patrick's Day playdate
tomorrow. While Connor slept I worked in the yard and
decorated the house. It was a very peaceful day, I
listened to my book while I worked. After picking up
Kaylynn, we all headed to help Aunt Trace some more. Then
home for dinner, bed and more work for mommy's playdate.
Can't wait to see all our friends(little and adult) going
to be a great day tomorrow.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow(I hope)

74/365: Great "Being Human" day

Had a good today with the Omilee girls. We got up this
morning and went to see Aunt Trace, Cailee and baby Emily.
We are helping Aunt Trace paint grandma and papa Fortunes
kitchen and living room. It is always interesting painting
with two toddlers running around and two newborns crying.
After painting for alittle bit we(Trace and I) decided we
needed a break, so we took the girls to the park. Then it
was home to eat dinner and get ready for bed, at least for
the children. Daddy brought home Canes for dinner and we
settled in for a "Being Human" marathon (love that show), then bed!
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

73/365: PJ Monday

It was pj Monday today! We really didn't do anything today.
Kaylynn played in her playroom and Connor and I cuddled on
the couch. We watched TV and Kaylynn read to us. We also
watched a new Tinkerbell movie, which is Kaylynn's new
cartoon. It doesn't help that Aunt Penny gave her some "berbell"
(what she calls Tinkerbell) DVDs and pj's. She ask to watch
them at least three or four times aday. We did get to visit with
our new neighbors in the afternoon, they have been cleaning and
working on the yard. It is really starting to look nice over there.
Goodnight all; See ya'll soon

72/365: Cranky Sunday

I have to admit today was a cranky day in the Villa.
Kaylynn, Connor and even mommy was so cranky. We
really didn't do anything today. Eric cleaned the kitchen,
thank god. We had lunch and put the kids down. We tried to
watch TV, but Ashley and I fell asleep. I even went back to
bed until Aunt Penny called to say she was coming to get
Ashley. After she left, we did nothing but watch TV and play
with our children. After we put the kids to bed, we didn't do
anything but watch TV. Sorry it was a boring day. Can't wait
until March 25th and DC
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

71/365: Beautiful Spring Saturday

It was a beautiful day today. The family got up early to start
our busy day. I started my day by straightening up the house,
while daddy and the children played and watching TV. Around 10am,
daddy had to go help Uncle Tony's put up the new pool. After getting
the children ready we headed over there for alitte while and then
headed to Minden. We went to Minden to watch Ashley's soccer game,
it was a beautiful day to stretch out on a blanket and visit with
friends and family. Kaylynn loved on all the men at the game and
Connor smiled at all the ladies. After Ashley's team won, we loaded
up to take her clothes shopping for the DC trip. She picked out some
new jeans and t-shirts, I love going shopping with her. Then it was
home to feed and put the children to bed. With the kids sleeping it
was dinner and TV for the rest of us. After dinner I finished Kaylynn's
St. Patrick's day shirt and planned out our DC trip with Ashley.
I am finally glad I have someone to get excited about a trip with,
we planned the whole week together. Then it was bedtime!
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

70/365: Crawfish Friday

It was another good day in our little villa. I got
most of my chores done before taking Kaylynn to
school. After dropping her off with her little
classmates. Connor and I came home to rest alittle
and finish a few projects I had going. Finished a
bow holder and a special box for a special little
girl. Went to pick up Kaylynn and back home to clean
up. After daddy got home we convinced him to do
crawfish for dinner. It was a wonderful night with
the family. Children went down easy and Mommy and
daddy settled in to watch "A-Team".
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

69/365: Mommy Shopping

Another shopping day for me and Connor, only this time
it was for mommy. After dropping Kaylynn off at school,
Mommy went to Cato's Fashions to do alittle shopping for
herself for the trip. I found some great shirts to with
my jeans or my shorts. After there Connor and I headed off
to Old Navy, mommy needed a few tank tops too. I always
have fun shopping but with Connor it's alittle hard, I
think Eric has paid him off to cry so I wont spend so
much money. After shopping we went home for lunch and
nap time. Then it was off to get Kaylynn and back home
to play. We decided to go outside so Kaylynn could ride
her bike and so mommy could pull weeds. After daddy came
home it was dinner and bed time for the children. After all
that it was dinner time and American Idol(Thanks to DVR) for
mommy and daddy.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

68/365: Cookie Day

After yesterday, today was a perfectly normal day in my book.
Connor and I dropped Kaylynn off at MDO and off we went to
do some mega shopping. We are headed out of town in a few weeks
and I wanted to get the kids some spring clothes. We started at
Hobby Lobby and then it was off to the Bert Kouns Walmart. After
that mommy had to meet Ms. Misty to pick up her Girl Scout cookies.
Girl Scout cookies is one for the times of the year I always look forward
to, that and crawfish season. After picking up Kaylynn, we went home
to eat our cookies and wait for daddy to get home so could go grocery
shopping. After tackling walmart, we put the children to bed, had
leftovers for dinner and relaxed with alittle TV.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

67/365: Stitch Happens

Today was the most exciting day we have had here in the
Vance Villa. It started out like any other Tuesday; nice
and quiet. Kaylynn playing in her playroom, Connor in his
swing and mommy straighten up the house. But little did we
know that things were about to get interesting. About 11:30,
I put Connor on the couch and stepped outside to put something
in the mailbox. I got back in the house just in enough time to
see him hit the cross bar on the tray table and start pouring
blood. He hit his head right above his right eye and it was
pretty deep. I called daddy and it rushed home like a knight
in shining armor and off to the ER we went. We were there three
hours and one nap later we finally saw a doctor. The doctor put
five stitches in and sent us on our way. After all that we all
took a nap and daddy went back to work. After feeding and putting
the children down for the night, I didn't do anything but watch
TV and rest.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

66/365: Recovery Monday

You know how the Bible says "and on the seven day he rested",
well, that was me and the kids today, even if it is Monday.
After the Mardi Gras parade and playing with all our friends
yesterday, we needed some down time. After, what Kaylynn calls,
resting we played and cleaned the house. Kaylynn is a great help
sometimes when I clean. She loves to get her toy vacuum out and
do the rug in the formal living room and she loves to help do the
laundry and start the dishwasher. It seemed like the day would never
end, it was just one of those long days. Daddy came home alittle early,
so we fed the children and put them to bed. Then mommy took a hot
bath, listened to my book and went to bed early(7:15pm), I love
when things work out in my favor!
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

65/365: Mardi Gras in the Neighborhood

Today was a wonderful day, It was our 2nd annual Highland
Mardi Gras Parade get together. We had a great time visiting
with all our friends and it was a nice day to walk to the
parade route. The children had a blast watching all the floats
and dancing to all the different kind of music. I have to admit
there were times I caught myself dancing with Kaylynn. Connor
slept when we first got there but woke up right before the
parade started. Daddy held him for the whole parade and caught
beads for him too. Kaylynn did great waving and catching beads,
I think each year she gets older she will have more and more fun.
The parade was longer then last year, but it was a perfect day.
After we said goodbye to our friends it was almost dinner time
and no surprise the children went down without any fuss, I think
they were Mardi Gras-ed out.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

64/365: Gloomy Villa

Well it was a very rainy and gloomy day, no soccer game or
birthday party for us; just got the kids better. We sat around the
house watching TV and letting the children play. Finished
all the laundry and did some lite house work. Eric took care
of the children this morning and let me sleep in alittle. It
was a tough day, I always hate it when we cant go anywhere and
the kids cant go outside. Kaylynn not being able to go outside
was heck on wheels all day, under foot and stuck up my and/or
her Daddy's butt all afternoon. As a family; we are excited
about tomorrow! It is the Highland Mardi Gras parade and have
friends and family coming to the house tomorrow to walk with us
to the parade route and stand with us. We should get tons of beads!
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

63/365: Fine Friday

Today, Connor and I dropped Kaylynn off at MDO this
morning and went home to straighten the house. The
days Kaylynn is "at school"(as we call it) are my
days (atleast from 9am to 2pm) to spend with Connor.
I love spending time with him and making him laugh, I
love making him giggle. He smiles so big and cute, it
kindof sounds like he is crying but he is really giggling.
After picking Kaylynn up from school, I had tons of
housework to try to get finished so I can take the
weekend off. After that we played outside alittle bit and
finding out Ashley made a 17 on the ACT's it was bedtime
for the kids and dinner and TV for mommy and daddy.
We are hoping it doesnt rain tomorrow,
want to see Ashley play soccer and go to Will's party.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

62/365: Our Future

We had a pretty laid back day today. Took Kaylynn
to MDO, came home and played with Connor. While 
Connor napped I was busy trying to plan our family
spring break vacation to D.C. in a few weeks. There
is really tons to do there and I have never been. I
have pretty good idea that I will spend most of the
time crying, I am every emotional when it comes to
historical stuff like that. Like, when when we went
to Tombstone on our honeymoon. I was amazed that I was
walking down the same streets that Dr. Holiday and Wyatt
Earp walked down, so I cried. So I am pretty sure I will
be that way in DC. I believe history will always spark
those kind of emotions from me, I really hope at least
one of my children carries that on. Of course ya'll who
know me you know I have my children's futures planned out
for them anyway. Both of them will play college football
for Notre Dame. Connor will go on to the pros and later
go back to Norte Dame to be a history professor. Kaylynn
will be offered a pro spot but turns it down to work in
Egypt on KV5 and become a professor at the American
University in Cairo. A parent can dream!
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

61/365: No Patience

Everyone at the Vance Villa finally got a good night's sleep.
Kaylynn went do with minimum fuss last night and Connor always
goes down easy(I am sure that will change). This morning we
woke early to get Connor and Kaylynn fed. Kaylynn had MDO and
Connor and I had house work to do. We dropped Kaylynn off and
came home to clean the kitchen and to cuddle. I have to be
honest Connor did make me fall asleep. After picking up Kaylynn
we had to run to walmart to pick up a few items. Getting home
Kaylynn decided to pick every flower in the back yard. She loves
flowers of any size or color, I think she is going though her
hippie stage. Today was also "mommy has no patience" day and they
both tried every inch. So instead of ripping their heads off
I decided to take them outside and let Connor get fresh air and
let Kaylynn run to her little heart out. After daddy got home
the children played with him while I cooked Kaylynns dinner and
got Connors bottle mixed. After putting the children down Eric
cooked a wonderful dinner and we settled into watch American Idol.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow

60/365: Hard Days Night

Last night was a long night at the Vance Villa. For some
reason Kaylynn did not want to go to bed so she kept
mommy and daddy up all night. We have no idea what was
wrong, she usually goes to bed fairly easy. She wined and
wimpered most of the night. Come morning light We all
looked and walked like the living dead, all except Connor
(who could sleep though a nuclear explosion). We had
a nice breakfast or at least the parts I didn't sleep though
were nice. Then Kaylynn went off to her playroom for a bit
and I stayed half awake to play with Connor. About and hour
or two later Kaylynn insisted that we lay down in Ashley's
bed (and only Ashley's bed) and take an early morning nap
and I didn't have the heart (or the will power) to say no.
After our little nap everyone (except mommy) was bright
eyed and bushie tailed to play until lunch and normal
nap time. After everyone woke (mommy included) Kaylynn
(the boss) decided to was time to play outside until daddy
came home. With children in bed and dinner(leftovers) served,
Daddy and I had a nice night of talking and TV.
Goodnight all; See ya'll tomorrow