A to Z of me!

A - Age: 25 and counting!
B - Bed size: Queen size-but not big enough!
C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathrooms-I have a phobia of bathrooms, especially public ones!
D - Pets' names: Molly-7 years old-black Lab (outside) Max-4 years old-cat (inside)
E - Essential start your day items: I have to always get a pop to drink first think in the morning. Bad habit, I know!
F - Favorite color: Blue
G - Gold or Silver: Silver
H - Height: 5'7
I- Instruments you play: None
.J - Job title: Admin Asst Sr.
K - Kid(s): Trevor James-7, Kelsye Jae-2
L - Living arrangements: With my husband James, Kids Trevor and Kelsye, a cat max, and a dog Molly
M - Mom's name: Kay Ann Laughlin
N - Nicknames: My dad has always called me Lucy.
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: When I had my two children
P - Pet Peeve: Hypocrites, people who think they are better than you.
R - Right or left handed: Right handed
S- Siblings: One brother-Brad
T - Time you wake up: 5:20 a.m.
U- Underwear: Yes, I wear underwear-lol
V - Vegetable you dislike: aspargus (sp?)
W - Ways you run late: kids not cooperating in the morning, oversleeping, not wanting to go to work
X - X-rays you've had: Teeth
Y - Yummy food you make: I am not much of the cook, but I do make good baked ziti, good homeade beef stroganoff, and some good appetizers!
Z - Zoo favorite: The dolphins.

Weekend!

Wow! What a productive weekend! I am impressed! It is amazing what a couple good days of nice weather will do for a person! Friday I came home early, mowed, and layed mulch. The swing set was also moved, and frame built around it for the pea gravel. Saturday most of the day was spent spreading pea gravel. James got 4 ton of pea gravel, and it is all nice and pretty in around the swing set! It was tough work! This morning we got up bright and early, and stained the entire swing set! It looks alot better. James is working on getting the tarp up, and the swings, etc. The kids love it. Kelsye also turned 2 on Saturday! We didnt do much for her bday, since her party is this coming Friday! I have added some pics. The first ones are when Kelsye fell asleep swinging on Saturday, and then the next two are a before and after picture of the swing set. I got this for 50.00, spent 15.00 dollars for stain, and 24.00 for pea gravel. I also spent around 60.00 for new stuff to go in it I think it is a good deal since these are around 1,200 new!

Happy 2nd Birthday Kelsye Jae!

Our little girl Kelsye Jae will be the big "2" tomorrow! It is hard to believe! In a way it kind of makes me want another one, but I think I want her to be the baby of the family! Growing up, I always wanted a little girl, and I knew I always wanted 2 kids. After Trevor was born, James and I always talked about having another one, and I wanted them to be 5 years apart. I got pregnant with Kelsye in August of 2006 after trying for a few months. I had morning sickness with her, but not that bad. The pregnancy was smooth, but seemed to drag on forever! Kelsye's due date was April 28th, but I got induced on the morning of April 25th. It was opening day of Turkey Season-James couldnt believe the doctor would schedule an induction on opening day! I got induced around 7:00 a.m. and was dilated to 4cm then. At around 11:00, I was fully dilated, and Kelsye Jae Riggins was born at 11:16 a.m. She weighed 7lbs, 14oz, and was 21 1/2 inches long. Her name came from my grandma Laughlin's maiden name Kelsey-I just switched the spelling a little bit. Her middle name is just part of her dad (James) name. She was a good baby, she began sleeping through the night at 7 weeks (What happened to her doing that now?) and she was a good eater, and always happy. She did have some allergy issues around 6 months old, and still has minor issues with that. She is so independent (she gets that from her dad), and seems so much older. Her and Trevor get along GREAT and I couldn't ask for two better kids! Her Dora the Explorer party is next Friday, so we will celebrate her birthday on Saturday with a small cake, a couple of her presents, and she can enjoy her new swing set her daddy is moving today! I am more excited then the kids I think! Here are some pictures of Kelsye!

SLOW Week!

WOW-I think this has been the slowest week in my life! I do not understand why the weekdays drag by, and then you blink and the weekend is over! It just does not make sense! I guess I am just too picky! Not much is going on this week. All I seem to do is go to work and then do homework! Speaking of work, I don't feel like I am being challenged! I hate it! I want to come to work have tons of stuff to do and be busy all day. For the past several months, I have been doing a whole lot of little things and don't really care for them. It seems like I sit and watch the clock more than anything! It drives me crazy-I sit here and think of all the stuff I COULD be doing at home! Hopefully it will get better! Then I sit back and think to myself-What if I would have carried out my dream to be a teacher? From the time I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher! I would teach imaginary students all the time! My plan was to graduate high school, go to USI and get my teaching degree-I always wanted to teach 2nd grade. I do have an associates in business and in less than a year get my bachelors in business management, however I have in my head it is too late for me to make the switch. I have worked at Crane since I was 19, and I make really good money, but I still want to teach! James said it would not be too late to go back and take what classes I need to take to be a teacher, but I just can't see myself doing it. I do not know why I have in my head at 25 I am too OLD to do something different. I am also concerned I would not get a job close to home or even find a teaching job for that matter. I would however enjoy my summers off, and being on the same work schedule as Trevor and Kelsye! Okay-enough of me rambling on-I need to get back to WORK-lol.

Weekend & Birthday Celebration!

WOW-the past few weekend in the Riggins household have been really busy. Friday afternoon I left work a little early, and got my house cleaned before going to get the kids at daycare. After I picked them up we went to my grandma's for cake and ice cream, then on to baseball practice from 7-8. When we got home, we ate, took bathes, and then after the kids went to bed, James and I made cupcakes for the bowling party-well lets just say I made the cupcakes while James kept me company. I am not one for baking, especially at 10:30 at night! HA! I ordered a cake for the party, but with several kids and adults, I made the cupcakes just to be on the safe side.

Saturday morning, we woke up and went to a couple yard sales, and to Walmart to pick up a couple things. We came back home, got ready for the party, and headed to the bowling alley to decorate. Kids started arriving a little before 2, and bowled until 3. It seemed like they enjoyed themselves. From 3-4 everyone ate cake and ice cream, and Trevor opened his presents. After the party was over-we headed to Mi Pueblo for a birthday dinner celebration. It was YUMMY! They sung to Trevor, and he was shocked! It was so funny. We returned home around 5:30, and Trevor got changed real quick to go to another birthday party for his friend Bailee. He was there until 8, and while he was gone, i put his birthday gifts up, played with Kelsye, and visited with my aunts who were down for the party. I picked him up from the party, took bathes, and then both kids were out by 8:30. James and I werent to far behind them.

Sunday we slept in until about 8:00, got up, ate breakfast, and played all morning. The kids spent most of the day with my grandparents, while mom and I went to the home tours at Loogootee. It was a nasty, rainy day but well worth it! I picked the kids up around 4:30 and we were at home the rest of the night. It was nice to just sit and relax before having to return to work today!

This week seems to be busy too-tonight Trevor is supposed to have ball practice-I doubt he will since it has rained so much. Wednesday he has art class, Thursday we are taking Trevor and Kelsye to the circus, and Saturday, my baby girl turns "2"! Her party isnt until May 1st, but I do want to mulch on Saturday and get their swing set moved and set up! Prom is also Saturday evening so mom and I usually go to that.

Happy 7th Birthday Trevor!

I am posting this today, because I do not know if I will have the chance to tomorrow. My first born turns the big "7" tomorrow!! I can't believe it.

Becoming pregnant with Trevor was quite the suprise! I had just graduated high school, and was getting ready to go to VU that fall. James and I were boyfriend and girlfriend at the time, and I couldnt have been happier. I remember going to the DR in June for a physical for school, and the DR put me on medication for a kidney infection. That medicine must have affected my birth control, but I was unaware of it. I got pregnant with Trevor towards the end of July, but didn't know it right away. I continued to have my periods, everything was normal, until September 11th 2001, I was at college and we were touring the old historical homes on the campus. We walked into one that had just been stained, and well needless to say I passed out. I never pass out so I knew something was up! That same month I didnt have a period, and had a gut feeling I was pregnant. 4 pregnancy tests later confirmed that! It was very clear! I told James first, and his reaction to me was "Kristin, don't worry we will get through this." I knew from that moment, he was a keeper! I told my mom and she was suprised, but excited. On my first doctor's visit, I was SHOCKED. I was expecting to be 4-6 weeks pregnant, since I had only missed one period and well I was off ALOT. I was 16 weeks pregnant. My due date was April 14th. The ultrasound picture was of an actual baby, not of a little speck of something on the screen. He was moving around like crazy. It was amazing. I then began to get worried, During the 1st 12-16 weeks of my pregnancy, I took birth control, I rode 4-wheelers, rode upside down roller coasters at Kings Island, but the doctor assured me everything would be just fine. On the very next appointment, we found out it was a boy! We were excited. The pregnancy went very smooth and quick! I continued college, worked ahead in all my classes, so that all I would have to do is take finals the first week of May. I was barely showing until the very end of the pregnancy, and the doctor was worried he would be small. I was also worried too, I didn't know what to expect.

On Sunday, April 14th, I was in full nesting mode-James and I had moved into our own house, and I was moving summer clothes from my moms house to our house. I was moving bricks for the landscape, and just cleaning alot. We were outside most of the day, until dark, came inside and ate supper. We fell asleep a little after 9, and by 10:00 I was up in awful pain. My mom and aunt come, and said I better get to the hospital. The trip there was a blur, I was in severe pain. I remember being admitted and getting a room. At around 10:45, my water broke. All the nurses were just kind of telling me that it was going to be a long night, etc. I was 3cm dilated, and they told me to rest. There was no way I could rest, I was in horrible pain. They told me they would be in in a little while to do an epidural. They must have forgot, because the next time I asked they said I had progressed more quickly then expected, and I couldn't have one. I had went from 3-9 in a matter of 25 minutes or so. At this point Trevor's heart rate kept decreasing, so they had me lay on a different side then I was. This was the side that I had trouble breathing on, so they put an oxygen mask on me. Trevor's heart rate kept decreasing and they were talking about an emergency c-section, but the DR came in and said I was ready to deliver. This was around 12:30 a.m. on April 15th, and I pushed until I had him at 1:19 a.m. Trevor James Riggins was born weighing 9 pounds and was 23 1/2 inches long. The DR was amazed he was that big. She had told me at my last appt that he might be 5 pounds. BOY was she ever wrong. We got to come home a couple days later and begin our lives as a family.

As I look back the last 7 years, I realize I was just a kid myself. I was scared, I worried what people would think, I worried I wouldn't be able to take care of him. He has made me mature through the years, and I am grateful for that. I never imagined at 25, that I would have a 7 year old. I wouldn't change anything for the world though. I am so proud of what Trevor has accomplished. He is so independent. He loves to play outside, swim, participate in sports (basketball, baseball), and loves to read. He is also a great big brother, and Kelsye loves him! I am going to leave you with some pictures of him throughout the years!

Easter Weekend!

What a great Easter weekend we had! I hated to come back to work this morning, especially with this CRAZY rainy weather! Oh well-I will survive! I am trying to remember what all we did this weekend.

Friday-Since Trevor's ball practice was cancelled, James and I decided to run to Walmart and pick up some groceries and Trevor's birthday present-A basketball goal! When we got there, they were all sold out, I was bummed, but decided to just look at other Walmarts and get one there. We were going to eat at Mi Pueblo, but the line was outside and people were waiting in the rain, so we opted for McDonalds! After we got home, I did some cleaning, and packing for the upcoming trip to my Aunts in Indy for Easter on Saturday!

Saturday-We left Saturday morning and headed to Indy. We spent most of the afternoon there, eating, catching up, and of course the easter egg hunt! Trevor and Kelsye cleaned up on Easter eggs! On the way home, we decided to stop at Old Navy, Pet Smart, Once Upon a Child, and Walmart-needless to say I spent WAY to much money, but got alot of summer clothes for the kids, and found the basketball goal! I was happy! Saturday night was just spent putting stuff up, and taking it easy!

Sunday-James woke up bright and early and put the basketball goal together! Thank goodness I married a handyman. He can fix just about anything, put anything together, and make just about anything! In the last week he has put together a bench for me, a wooden flag to hang outside, and now the basketball goal. Tonight after work, he is installing a pet door for our cat! His next project is the wooden swing set, which we have to wait until it dries up to do that! I love him though! He can also find mushrooms! He went Saturday and Sunday and found quite a few! He even cooks them! I think I found a keeper :) Anyways, enough about James. Trevor played ball most of the morning, and ended up beating his daddy by 2 points (or so he says). We went and visited with my grandma and grandpa, and then came back home. Trevor played more ball, while I pulled weeds. I had seven large piles of weeds-next project is to lay mulch. Perhaps I can this week if it dries up. After I pulled weeds, we went to the park to pitch balls to Trevor. He starts his second year of pee-wee. He did really good, and wanted me to chase him and tag him out. Needless to say, my legs are killing me today! I am too old to run! After that we came home and ate supper, took bathes, and then my mom came over to help me mark clothes for my brother! He had all of Bella's clothes in totes that were too little, so we marked them and a couple people want to look at them! I ended up buying the majority-they were too cute!

Today Trevor has swim lessons after school, and then a haircut. I am on Spring Break from college this week, but hopefully can get ahead on school work! I plan on fixing an easy supper tonight, along with the wonderful mushrooms, and relaxing to watch Intervention-my all time favorite show! Tues-Thursday is swim lessons, Trevor will be the big "7" on Wednesday, ball practice on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, and then his bowling birthday party on Saturday. It is never a dull moment around our house! I will leave you with some Easter pictures!

Slow Week

I feel like this week is dragging by, and it is only Tuesday. We didn't do much on Sunday. I paid bills, did homework, addressed invitations, and did laundry! Trevor started swim classes this week after school, so I leave work and go and pick him up. He is so independent (like his dad), I would have never rode the school bus to the high school, and went to swim classes by myself without my mom when I was 6. He would stay at home alone if we let him...heck I am 25 and hate being at home without James. I am scared of window peepers and strange noises that I hear! Trevor will have swim classes all this week, and 4 days next week. We also have pee-wee ball practice on Friday night. Saturday we are traveling to Indy to my aunts for Easter, and then Sunday we will probably work outside and have an Easter egg hunt. There isn't much going on except trying to plan to birthday parties, and working. I hope to take a couple days off of work to get caught up on housework and organized. It seems like it is always something!

Saturday

This has been a pretty productive Saturday. James and I woke up this morning and headed to Brownstown, IN so I could look at a store called "Second Time Around." It is a smaller version of Once Upon A Child, with alot more outdoor toys, and cheaper prices. They had everything Little Tike and Step 2 that you could imagine. I ended up buying a Little Tikes Playhouse for Kelsye for 40.00, and then a Little Tikes table w/2 chairs that I will keep inside for Kelsye to use when she colors or plays with playdough, etc. It was fairly good size and 25.00. This place has both used toys and then they also buy new toys too to sell. The lady also had shoes, books, clothes, and anything else a little kid might like! It was a long drive, but worth it. I will post pictures of what I bought later. Tonight I plan on doing some homework, and if the kids go to bed early enough, I will clean my house and fold laundry so tomorrow I don't have to do it. I think my mom and I will run to Walmart tomorrow for a few things, and then relax the rest of the time. Monday morning comes way to quick. Oh, and I have to get Trevor's invitations in the mail Monday! Kelsye's party is going to be at our house on May 1st, so before then, I would like to get my basement presentable to those who havent been to our house since we moved, my mulch all put down, and James has the task of putting together the wooden swing set, and laying pea gravel. What a busy month we will have-hopefully I can take a couple days off work to accomplish some of it!

Daycare Fundraiser

Hey everyone!
Each year the daycare that Trevor and Kelsye go to (Toni's Tots N Tykes) do a fundraiser. This year they are selling candles. They are 13 ounce jars, and are 10.00 each. These are very good candles, and seem to last a long time. Part of the proceeds go towards the daycare getting new outside toys, inside toys, books, etc. It is exciting to see the kids faces when all the new toys get delivered. Orders are due by April 13th, however money is not due until they come in. I can even send them in the mail for those that live farther away. If you are interested-please send me a message on my blog, or to my email-kristin.a.riggins@lmco.com. thanks!!!

The available kids are:
Apple Crisp
Apple Pie
Banana Nut Bread
Black Berry Cobbler
Candy Cane
Caribbean Nights
Carmel Apple
Carmelized Pralines
Christmas Tree
Cinnamon
Citrus
Citrus Vanilla
Coconut
Cranberry
Cucumber Melon
Dreamcicle
French Vanilla Cappuccino
Fruit Basket
Happy Holidays
Honey Dew Melon
Honeysuckle
Lilly of the Valley
Lime Parfait
Macintosh Apple
Mulberry
Peaches and Cream
Plum Streusel
Pumpkin Pie
Snickerdoodles
Strawberry Shortcake
Sugar Cookies
Sweet Pea
Vanilla
Vanilla Cinnamon

Finally Friday

I am so glad it is Friday. Last week was hectic with work and sick kids, and this week was just as hectic. Work has been really busy, but hopefully by the middle of next week things should be back to normal. I have been in some sort of a funk these last few weeks. I am not for sure if it is the weather, or what, but I have been so blah! Hopefully that will change soon. Not much is going on this weekend. Tomorrow James and I are running to Brownstown to a place called "Second Time Around" This whole yard is full of little tikes playhouses and slides, etc. I hope to find Kelsye a playhouse for the yard. I will be bringing some work home to do this weekend, and I have homework to do. I started my next class-Issues in Ethics. Sounds really fun huh? Ha! I will also probably make a run to Walmart on Sunday and I have got to address Trevor and Kelsye's birthday party invitations, oh and pay bills! it seems like there is always something to do!

Last night we signed Trevor up for swimming lessons at the school. These take place right after school for 8 days. He went last year but seemed so afraid of the water until the very last day, and then he was jumping off in the deep end. I decided to put him in again this year, and maybe he would enjoy it. Next week is back to school for him, and ball practice starts. It will be a busy couple months that is for sure. Well, I better get some work done.....I have plenty to get caught up on!

Have a great Friday-Kristin