Every picture tells a story...

Ahhhh, school pictures! Who loves their school pictures, seriously? With the exception of your Senior Pictures, which cost a mere fortune, the lousy ones taken at your school gym with the same boring background are probably not that great- at least mine never were! Well, this year, my kids' aren't that wonderful, either, but I had to buy them, I HAVE to have them for their books. Why? Because my mom bought them every year, even if they were terrible, and trust me, some were, and don't look for any of mine on this blog, I will NOT be posting any of them! But anyway, since every picture tells a story, I will tell you the story behind these pictures...

Well, Alex just lost his 2 front teeth this year, and I wanted him to smile with a "toothless grin", which for the first picture day, he didn't. When I got them back, I insisted that we do "retakes" so I can forever have a picture of this precious grin. He relented, and this is the product. Don't look too closely at his shirt, though, because I didn't know, but it is missing a button! Oh well, he is only 7- he won't totally appreciate this picture till he is much older!

And Leah...well, this was taken the day after her surgery. Yes, the day after surgery on her eye! Her eye looks no worse than the first picture taken of her, when the chalazion was huge and her eyes were shut! Great- gotta love retake day that couldn't be any other day than the day after she has the chalazion removed! Lovely. Well, we also coached her on how to sit up and smile and keep her eyes open. So, you will notice that she is really sitting funny and she is trying really hard to keep her adorable smile! I didn't know it that day, but her face was really swollen from the fluids the day before. When Dana saw the picture, he said, "who is the chubby faced little girl?!" So mean, but I had to admit that she does look a little chubby! I love it, though, because she felt good enough to go to school that day, and she was so happy with the picture outcome! Who am I to argue with that? She is one girl I try not to argue with! She with probably think differently about it later in life, and then she can be mad at me!

So, there you are...School pictures 2007! Every picture tells a story, what is yours?!

Merry Christmas from the Ortman Homestead!

I am posting our Christmas card on my blog so those of you who don't get one won't feel left out! (it's not personal) I only sent to our families this year, so we could save a little here and there! We had this picture taken in Myrtle Beach this summer, and to justify the cost, I said I would make Christmas cards out of them- more of a task than I thought, but they turned out really cute!

A Winter Wonderland Snow Day!

When we went to bed last night, Dana and I dreamed of a snow day! It would be perfect- we haven't had snow in December to call of school in years! Perfect, since Dana's parents are here visiting from California! His dad is loving the snow! I do love the snow, but I love it best when I am inside taking pictures of my crazies outside in it! I dressed all three of them in their snow pants and boots, adorned with hats, gloves and hoods! They were toasty, at least at first!

Celeste lasted about 2 minutes before she fell and couldn't get up, and her gloves, (which were way too big) fell off. Leah stayed out about 40 minutes, running and falling into the snow. Daddy pulled her in the sleigh which was going really fast! She loved it! Alex and Dana stayed out nearly 2 hours. They built this adorable 2 headed snowman (which unfortunately fell down minutes after they came inside :( ). So cute though!
I have to say that I truly appreciate a husband who will voluntarily go out in the freezing cold so that my children can enjoy the freezing cold snow! I am not "outdoorsey" anymore! My dad would call that "spoiled"- and he would be right!

A Shopping we will go...

Well, I am back from my "girls get-a-way shopping trip"! It, as usual, was fantastic! More than fantastic, it was awesome! I had such a fun time! I absolutely love this trip- I look forward to it every year, it is my recharge weekend away- well, a day and a half, but close enough! We, meaning Julie and My Hien and I left on Friday around 3pm for the mall. We met Alicia, Cassandra, Carrie, and Melissa around 4 at Pottery Barn. I usually don't shop there, but this time I got some really good deals (hooded bunny and flower towels for my girls- normal price $40 (as if!), down to $20 (still not gonna sell), down to $10!) That is more like it! So so cute! That was my first purchase! Then we traveled to Old Navy, which is not an outlet store anymore, so they took my 20% coupon, and I bought Leah some really cute shoes and cream gloves for my new coat! We all used the coupon, (the people are so nice) so we all saved a little! We hit a few more stores, not too exciting, before we hit Harry and David. Now, getting chocolate at Harry and David's is a tradition! Everyone gets something there! It is like an unwritten rule! We all get some yummy treats, for me, it's Dark Chocolate Moose Munch (chocolate covered caramel popcorn with decadent nuts covered in chocolate too, and whatever else covered in more dark chocolate- can you say, dreamy?!) It is like Heaven in a bag! I think I ate the entire bag by myself in a day! I haven't eaten much else- good thing I only get it once a year! By the way, this is the bag I bought for my father-in-law, mine is empty, remember?! So by now it is 6:30, and we meet up with Tina and Karen to go to dinner at Bob Evans- our restaurant of choice each and every year. For some reason, the food tastes much better with girlfriends and without children- hmmm...interesting!

But beforehand, I head to check into our hotel- not good....Well, as I look at the hot tub (a must have, very important), I notice it is not running.

The front desk girl says, "it broke this morning."

I was like, "What?! No way! We come here specifically for the hot tub!"

She says, "sorry", in a very unsympathetic, "like I care" way! (She was probaby 18, she doesn't know how much time away from your crazy family is appreciated and how mothers need it!)

I was so disappointed, but didn't know what else to do, so I checked us in anyway. Well, as I went into Bob's to tell the girls the sad news, they are not happy to hear that either, so, Tina says she will take care of it- I love her- she so took care of it, alright! So, Tina and I march back to the hotel, and I stand meekley to the side of her as she nicely tells the girl, who I am sure could careless, that we will not be staying there, and we want our money back. We end up calling the hotel we normally stay at (about 2 miles away) and checking in there for the same price, but with the working hot tub!! Yeah, you go Tina! She is awesome! She will do what the rest of us are afraid to do- and we love her for it! We stayed at the hot tub until 11- it closed at 10, but we were the only people staying there, so they never said anything to us! It was so fun- we sat around and talked and told stories like sisters do! I love this part! It is so fun, and part of the get-a-way from it all. The funniest story was of Tina telling us of a nasty VT house and the "shake" in the bathroom- she will have to demonstrate for all those who missed it- it is just too funny for words! And as always, we love hearing stories from Lish of "Charles"- they are priceless! We all share funny things our kids and husbands do, or don't do, and laugh till it hurts! We ended up back in Lish's room until 1 ish then we went back to our room where we finally shut up around 2:30. I am pretty sure we went to bed laughing!

Up and at'em at 8 am for breakfast and to the mall by 10. We left around 3pm with lots and lots of deals. We usually go in November, but from now on, we will for sure go in December- the deals, despite the cold are better! So, all I have now are receipts and bags of gifts to wrap, including my own, my new dishes- Merry Christmas from my parents and Dana's parents! I am so happy!! I have great memories of the fun that will have to hold me off until next year- only 364 days to go!! Thanks for the memories, girls!! I love ya!

Oh, and the best ending is coming home to a clean house with kids fed and no tragedies while I was gone! I love my good husband-(even if I do tell stories about him-that's part of the fun story telling)- I promise he is a great catch!

Chapter 17

Yesterday my good friend, Bonnie taught Relief Society- it was a really great, meaningful lesson for me. It was about charity, and how loving God is the Great Commandment. I learned a lot from this lesson- it was from Conference, Elder Wirthlin, but the main thing I learned was that if I don't put Heavenly Father first, then my life will be out of balance. I cannot do everything, and not all things at once, either. That is comforting! I sometimes think I can be "superwoman" and do all I want and need to do each and every day! Well, every now and then I am reminded that I can't and I owe that to Bonnie yesterday! I very much appreciated the topic of charity and the pure love of Christ. I do try to be like Him each day, and truth be told, I am not always that good at it. I know that I need to be more loving to those around me, even those I don't really want around me! That may sound simple to some people, but not to me. I want to be angry sometimes! I want to be mad and yell and get it out, but I know that is not the "most Christlike way". I am working on that. Thanks to Bonnie for reminding me of the things that matter most in life. I know what is most important, and that is to keep the commandments so that I can return to live with my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with my family one day. I need to remember that in the "big picture" the "little things" I seem to worry about aren't what's important. Loving God and loving others through service, is. Sometimes it is the little things that count the most!

On a Thanksgiving note, we had a really fantastic day! We had a great meal with my parents and an overall relaxing day with family! As we sat at the dinner table, we had each person say what they are thankful for. Alex said, "family". Leah said, "my parents", (we paid her to say that! Just kidding, she is so sweet!). I said, "the beautiful season and weather", Dana said, "the Buckeyes beat Michigan!". My mom said, "that everyone is healthy and happy". And my dad said, "my grandkids". That was a really fun way to begin dinner, and I am thankful for all that and so much more. We ate and ate and ate some more, then we went home and had more pie! Did I mention it was a great day?!

Then on Friday, Black Friday, I did not venture out in the morning, we stayed in and decorated our house for Christmas! I love getting out the Christmas stuff! I found out that I had purchased some items I had forgotten about- new dishes, new ornaments, new decorations that are so great! My great friend Shanti made this for me last year, and I love it! My house is full of Christmas! I love it! I would sit by our little tree all day if I could! Here is a pic of what it looks like today-it may not look like this tomorrow, since Celeste likes to re-arrange whenever she can! But, I so love that it is a "kid's tree", meaning we let them decorate it (well, I did have to help so they wouldn't all be in the same spot), and that it is full of kid's ornaments! I love the cutesy, kiddish things that fill each and every branch! They love looking at their decorations and they love the tree!

I love Christmas and I love the spirit I feel this time of year- it is unlike any other time of the year for me- it is a reverent, serene, and peaceful time, despite the hustle and bustle of shoppers. I did hit Target and Kohl's late on Friday, just to pick up a few things, and you would have thought the stores were giving stuff away- it was still busy! I couldn't believe that so many people were still out shopping! The doorbusters were long gone, though I didn't think they were that great of deals anyway, but people were still there! Crazy, I mean, I love to shop, but I don't shop on that day! (Well, not that early, anyway!)

A Perfect Fall Day!

The girls had so much fun in the leaves today! They jumped, threw, got buried in, and played for over an hour! Meanwhile, I raked, piled, and raked some more so they could continue to have fun! It is sad that the leaves fell so fast and they only got one day to play in them, but it was a perfect day! Now, since Thanksgiving is tomorrow, we will decorate for Christmas! Crazy that fall seems to go so quickly before we get ready for the Christmas holiday! I love fall, it is one of my favorite seasons, when the leaves change, before they fall is unlike any other phenomenon in the seasons. I love seeing the different colors, but my children appreciate it more when they all fall down...they love, love, love the leaves!

Ohio State Beats Michigan Again!! Big 10 Champs!!

Woo Hoo! Ohio State pulled out a tremendous win just a few moments ago! Way to go Bucks! It was cold, rainy, and not a nice weather day, but despite these conditions, the Buckeyes played hard and fought to beat the crappy Wolverines. A perfect win, with class, as Jim Tressel decides not to score in the last few seconds of the game. He is such a great coach- very non-confrontational, very calm, and a great example to everyone. I loved watching the games this year- we have come a long way, and again, I am proud of our Buckeyes! Let's see where we play in January-The Rose Bowl would be awesome! Congrats on the win and becoming Big Ten Champs!

Food for Thought

Charles Schultz Philosophy

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners .

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards.
They are the ones that care .

Chapter 16

This is official "Beat Michigan" week here in Ohio, and we are all gearing up for Saturday's BIG game! I will be glued to ABC from 12 noon till the "fat lady sings"! I am sooooo excited and I love that the spirit of the game is so strong this week. Playing Michigan is always a big deal, no matter what bowl game is on the line. It is the "make it or break it" game, and it is always for "all the marbles"! No doubt about it- Ohio State vs. Michigan is the game of all games, and anybody who is anybody will be watching!

My dad's birthday is the 19th of November and is always around the rival game weekend. It is the best birthday present to beat that team from up north for him! I once gave him my student ticket for the OSU vs Michigan game when I was in college- the game happened to fall on his birthday- he was very excited and even happier when we won! I don't have coveted tickets this year (though it's in Ann Arbor anyway), but I do hope we win- not just for his birthday, but because we really don't like Michigan! Actually, you can't even mention that team's name in my parent's house- it is like dropping the F-bomb at church! It is that big of a deal!

My brother's best friend growing up, Eric, used to like Michigan- I think it was more to get a rise out of my dad, but nonetheless, he would wear his maize and blue gear around him, just for fun- well, it is not funny to my dad! Ever! So, one particular time, we were on my dad's boat when Eric decides to wear a hideous U of M hat- well, my dad revved up the boat, and off flew the hat right into the lake it-gone forever! So hilarious- to us anyway-not to Eric, who was highly upset, but it was great! My dad has been known to do far worse for committing this offense in his presence- I won't name them all, but he has a University of Michigan flag, that was stolen from their campus about 40 years ago- was he involved?, you draw your own conclusions!

I just love this week, and I love it even more when we Beat Michigan! So Go Bucks, and Screw the Blue! (sorry if that sounds bad, but it is my dad's favorite saying!)
Oh, and Happy 64th Dad, I love you!

I've been tagged!

Well, Katie said this tag wouldn't be too painful, so here goes...
6 random things about me.

1. I LOVE Ohio State! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Ohio State! I grew up here in Ohio and therefore was born a Buckeye. It is in my genetic makeup to be a Buckeye fan! My parents would disown me if I wasn't a fan! (I'm serious!) I grew up going to OSU games, watching the cheerleaders, mainly, and knew I would attend someday. (my parents said they would only pay for my college if I went there!- I think I could've persuaded them otherwise, but it wasn't worth it!) True I went through a rebellious stage, applying to and being accepted to both Kent State and Penn State! I can hardly believe I thought of such!

I once met a football player from The University of Arizona whose Wildcats played at the Horseshoe the year prior- he said it was unlike anything else he had ever witnessed - 98 thousand "screaming Buckeyes"! He is right- it is unlike any other place on earth- being in the 'Shoe for a game is amazing- I love it! I have been to many, many games, and it is NOT the same watching it on televison- you simply HAVE to be there to experience it! Trust me! I loved going to OSU - it was a significant period of growth for me in many ways. But most of all, I will ALWAYS be a Buckeye and will wear my scarlet and grey every single football Saturday, win or lose, and root on my beloved team. Thank you to my parents for fostering such a great "second religion" as Dana likes to call it!


2. I love pictures! I love taking them, having them taken, looking at them, scrapbooking them, and most of all treasuring the times of them, since memories fade much quicker. (It doesn't hurt that my children are so cute and exceptionally photogenic!! ha ha!) I found this photo of my brother and I when we were little- I love it. I reminds me of the simplicity of childhood and how wonderful it is to be a kid!
When I was younger, my brother and I affectionately called my father "photo dad". He was never without his camera, and would take pictures at every event of our lives. I am not kidding, there are boxes upon boxes of photos at my parents house of us- more than we could go through every day for a week! It is crazy- but I love it so much because he never missed anything in our lives, and there are pictures to prove it. I remember my 8th grade awards ceremony, where there was an area roped off from the stage, requiring everyone to remain behind the rope. Well, some rules don't apply to "photo dad" because he ignored them, came right up to the stage to snap my picture! I was horrified at the time, since "photo dad" was sometimes, most of the time, very embarassing,but now I am grateful, and now my kids have pics of me as a child. Thanks Dad!


3. I am passionate about children in car seats! I do not understand why some parents choose not to restrain their child while driving! It is so irresponsible! I am furious when I see a child just bopping around in the car without a seat belt or a car seat! It is even worse when I see a child in the front seat!! I hate it! It is so dangerous, and I really don't think people know how dangerous it is! Dana says people are just ignorant on the subject- well ignorance is not an excuse, as my High School History teacher used to say! I just don't understand why- I remember when Dana and I took Lamaze ( I so didn't use the technique- an epidural was way better, but we learned a lot!) when we were pregnant with Alex. Our instructor said, and I will never forget it, "who would you be most upset with if there was ever a crash and your child died because you didn't take the time to restrian him or her? Would you be most mad at the other driver, or yourself?" My children have gone through phases where they have hated being in their car seat- they have kicked, screamed, arched their backs so it was harder to buckle, but you know what? I don't care! I would rather listen to them whine and cry about being in their car seat ( I just turn up the radio!), than me whine and cry for my child being injured by me not doing my job, and my job is to protect these children for as long as possible!


4. I love vacations! I love leaving this crazy life at our house for a breif life somewhere else, if only for a few days! As a child we vacationed a lot. It was great- we went to the beach, the lake, several lakes actually, we camped and we did many many car trips- that part I don't like! But now as an adult with children of my own, I love to get away- with them! This year we went to Myrtle Beach for a week in June- it was the very best time I have had in so so long! We truly had an amazing trip! I love the beach, laying at the pool, and soaking up the sun! We had a balcony on our 5th floor that overloooked one of the 6 pools at this resort, and right out to the ocean!

We did everything we wanted to do there! It was so fun, and because I took great pictures, we can remember all that we did and cherish the time away from our crazy life here!

For our honeymoon, Dana and I went to Chile for 10 days! That was an amazing, once in a lifetime vacation! I will never forget some of the things we did and the people we me there- it is one of those places that is so beautiful that I had a hard time taking it all in- it was the first time I had ever been on another continent, and it was so fascinating to see life exist outside of my little perfect box here.

We went to the beach there- which doesn't even compare to the beaches in North America, we traveled up the coast on a bus for 8 hours-that stretch of shoreline, almost completely remote was so gorgeous.
I met some unforgetable people, most I couldn't even understand, because my Spanish is um, shall I say, terrible! I can pick up words, a few at most, but thankfully Dana was my personal translator! I found that I loved these people as my own family, though we hardly understood one another. I was taken aback by the poverty in such a 3rd world country. These people have NOTHING, and I am serious, yet they are the happiest people I have ever met- they would give it all away, and not complain- they are just the loveliest, simpliest, most humble people, from which I learned so much. I loved Chile! I loved the people, the sights, the food (sometimes), though we brought home parasites in our stomachs, just in time for Christmas (that was fun!) I loved the shopping and unique places too-
so much to see, but we saw more than I dreamed possible in that 10 days in December 1998.






5. I love to talk- (gasp, shock, surprise, all words and feelings going through you right now!) I have always loved to talk! I get it from my Grandma Szalai- she could talk forever, and I love that! I love chatting it up on the phone, at church, with my family, with my kids, (who I thought would never talk because I never stop!), with my neighbors, and most of all my friends. I think those who know me know that about me- and either appreciate that or don't call me! That is okay, I will just talk to myself if no one wants to listen- ahem, Dana! He loves that I am a talker, sometimes, though he isn't as much. But honestly, when we were dating, he was the one who called me the most! He had plenty to say then! Seriously, we talk together a lot- and I love that in our family- it works for us. I am grateful for friends that allow me to chat for periods of time without saying much edgewise! I go on a shopping trip each November with some of my favorite girlfriends, and we stay in a hotel overnight and shop for 2 days! I love it- I don't think any of us ever shut up! It is the recharging get-a-away I look forward to from the day it ends! It is the best! I am so grateful for my friends that understand me and like me anyway! They are the ones that help me be a better me!

If you want a funny story of how my kids think of me talking, scroll up to the top, and read the part about Leah making us laugh- that pretty much sums this all up!


6. Okay, as if #5 wasn't a surprise, it should come as no shock that I love to shop! I love, love, love to shop! My parents bought me a magnet that says "Born to Shop" on it when I was about 12. Like being a buckeye is in my blood, shopping is in there too! I could and would shop everyday if it were possible! I don't have to buy something everytime, though I usually do, but I just like the auroa of being in a store! I am not a shop-a-holic in the sense that I buy more than we can afford- in fact I am a pefectionist in my shopping! I am really ticked off today that I placed an order on Kohl's.com Thursday night, and on Friday morning, they started offering an additional 15% off the toys I just purchased! That cost me about 4 bucks! I am not happy! I have been known to return those items, and rebuy them, just to save that few dollars! I am a little less anal now (certain days, actually), but I love getting a good deal- like Alex's karate suit- read that blog to hear that deal- it was great! But I do love shopping, and buying things I need or just want for a cheaper price than most people. My friend Jennifer likes to tell me that she doesn't know anyone else that thrives within or below their means with shopping, like I do- that is a compliment I love! I could shop full price racks, but I don't because I can get so much more by sales, clearance, and using coupons on top of that- and it's not just about the clothes, though that is my favorite, but with food too! Leah asks if she can have a certain cereal if it is on sale and if mommy has a coupon! Way to go, teach her the tricks of the trade while she is young! I love getting deals, and I really love when things are free, like this blog and all the fun things I get to create while on the internet! It has made ebay, a less fun thing for me- something that makes Dana happy- now gotta run to Kohl's!!