mommy4boys

Excited

2011-08-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

I am excited to start blogging again..my bff told me about a site that allows us to read books and give our book reviews..we have to post them on our blog...I love reading books..so this will be a special treat for me!!

You will not want to miss this!

2010-01-20T10:15:00.000-08:00

I just got back from the leaders conference in Texas over the weekend it was AWESOME! I hope so many of your ladies can join us on the trip to Indianapolis in August.

My friend, was told to leave Target for breastfeeding!

2009-11-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

Women of Faith

2009-08-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

I was able to attend this amazing conference last weekend with my girlfriends. The Lord wants me to take 50 of you ladies next year to the conference..i am starting to work on the details of the conference..our busing, hotel and tickets..I am hoping to make it for under 300.00! I have gone the last 2 years and it has been life changing for me both years!! Do you need a brand new day in your life? I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and sign up for the conference. We will leave next August on Thursday, August 19th and come home on Saturday night August 21st.

The Pedouins Family~Biking to Alaska

2009-08-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

My friend Candace, knows a guy who is house sitting for this family while they travel across the United States to Alaska on their bike with their 3 kids. I think it is an awesome life lesson and once in a lifetime experience. What do you think about them?

http://www.pedouins.org

Miss Princess, Kirstin.

2009-07-23T22:12:00.001-07:00

Our 11 year old neice, Kirstin decided to run for Princess from her hometown days..there was her and another young girl running along with the Queen's court and the Jr. Princess court. We decided to surprise her and show up for the show. Little to our surprise she was chosen! You should have heard her speech she wrote..it was the best speech there of the entire night..even from the older high school girls who ran for queen..I was shocked! I did not know she could write the well for being only 11 years old. We were all so proud of Kristin. We love you!

Kirstin had just been crowned the 2009 Princess..I love her smile of excitement here!

Of course Nolan could not stop eyeing those cookies that sat behind us all night and he was so happy when he could finally sample his fair share of cookies and punch..lol

Tim, such a proud daddy momment for him with Kirstin!

Grandma and Princess Kirsten

Landon, Aunt Laura and Kirstin

Mother's Tea

2009-07-18T19:35:00.001-07:00

Every year our preschool, Holt Cooperative Preschool does a wonderful job at making the mom's feel special for Mother's Day. The 3's class helps to put on a breakfast for the 4's class and vice versa..it is very sweet to watch the kids and the gifts they make us..I love all that kind of homemade stuff from the kids!

His class sang a cute song for all their mommy's!

Here is Landon greeting me as he walked up the stairs with Mrs. Truelove...very cute!

Landon Turned the BIG 5!

2009-07-14T04:13:00.000-07:00

Jim took the day off from work to help celebrate his birthday and attend Landon's last preschool field trip. snif snif....

Nolan is not a morning person..he is like his dad and his brother Landon. His face is cracking me up... He is with his future teacher at Holt Cooperative Preschool, Mrs. Truelove.

I kept Ian out of school that morning so he could enjoy the field trip as well since his school does not do field trips.

They do a little awards cermony at the end of the session..it was cute!

He loves his scooter!

His new Heely's! I would say he was pretty spoiled that day...

Devin and Landon really are best friends! They were excited about their new Lego Batman Wii game from Grandma Kellogg!

Brothers

I love how he is in his Awana vest for this picture....

Boys and Their Bikes....

2009-07-05T12:34:00.001-07:00

Too funny about Landon wanting his picture taken in the back of Jim's car!

I do like this one of them riding down the sidewalk together...Ian and Nolan. I love having 4 because Devin and Landon are best of friends and so are Ian and Nolan!

On this day...Devin had been avoiding riding his bike..in fear. So Jim made him ride his bike and would not allow him to ride his scooter or do anything else..because he needed to get over his fear of learning to ride a bigger bike..considering he is 8 now..come on, right?

I love this one the best! He fell and was trying to be drama king..It was priceless!

Trying and trying...

Here he is showing us his pouty face..lol

Easter....way late on these..just catching up..ha!

2009-07-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Nolan received a new spiderman pillow for Easter. Devin received a new Bible and it worked out perfectly because he had to take a Bible to camp a couple of weeks ago so he had one! They all received matching t-shirts as well. It was fun having my neice, Hannah join us to color eggs and my mom!

June 23

2009-06-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Today is a special day in our lives.....

1. It would have been my grandparents 73rd wedding anniversary. They made it 72 1/2 years together before grandpa passed away on Jan. 25th!

2. Landon was adopted and officially became a Peiffer 4 years ago. He is now 5 years old.

I hope you can see this picture ok.

Finally, it is done!

2009-06-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been MIA lately. I have been working on this video for days for my grandpa's celebration of his life party on this upcoming fathers day on his farm. It will be a wonderful time to see all my family and remember our sweet grandpa!

Here it is..

Webster F. Kellogg 9/1/16-1/25/09

Are Women Born This Way??

2009-05-30T17:05:00.001-07:00

My friend Sarah sent me this and it is so FUNNY and TRUE...enjoy!

A Day Out with Thomas The Train

2009-05-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

I took Ian on a special mom and Ian day! We went on a Sunday just the two of us. He loved it. He loved every minute of Thomas the Train. He was so EXCITED to see Thomas and ride on him. I bought him a special Thomas hat and shirt..it is his favorite shirt and he has to wear it weekly and would wear it daily if it was washed..LOL I am looking forward to taking Nolan there next year.

Splash Universe

2009-05-19T10:32:00.001-07:00

We had asked Devin and Landon what they would rather do for their birthdays 1. each have a party like last their or 2. take the money and go one night at Splash Universe? They picked the waterpark and Jim and I were glad! Jim took the Thursday off from work giving him a 5 day weekend over Easter. We stayed one night in Dundee, MI. We all loved it! I was so impressed with Ian for even going off by himself and braving the water slide and the wade pool. It was so awesome there..we put each boy in a life jacket the entire time and there were tons of lifeguards..Jim and I of course stayed very close to Nolan, being that he is only 2 1/2. Devin and Landon were able to do whatever they wanted because they were tall enough for all the rides by themselves...(Landon was thrilled) the park was small enough to allow for that freedom yet big enough to feel like a very nice park! I would strongly recommend this.
On Friday after check out we decided of course (we would not miss this) to take the boys to their first trip to Cabella's. They LOVED it. I was then able to go to the wine store and buy a few bottles of yummy wine that was on major sale! It was a win win..on the way home I talked Jim into letting us get off an exit for coffee and the GPS took us way out to a hick town in the middle of nowhere for coffee..I even ordered Jim the wrong coffee..opps! We were not in a hurry to get home so it was fun strolling the country roads..ha!

I can not believe it has been 10 years!!

2009-05-08T10:22:00.001-07:00

10 years ago Jim and I were married....we were pretty young. I was 23 (almost 24) and Jim was 26. At least it seems young to me..LOL my parents were much younger and so my grandparents..so maybe we were old?? HA!

My BFF Jess, Gretch and Shannon

This is my friend Lori and her son Christian. Lori was in my wedding.

Down 35 pounds today!

2009-05-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know..that I am down 35 pounds so far! I have a goal to be down 50 pounds by my 34th birthday on June 13th...go weight go!! I am motivated more than ever. I want to personally thank for my friends last week when I was have a moment of downs..for lifting me back up and now here I am!! YAY. Thanks for your support. I love you all!!

Happy 8th Birthday Devin!

2009-04-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

Devin turned 8 on April 16th! Devin and Landon both have birthdays in April and we had asked them do you each want a birthday party or do you want to go to the water park instead? So they picked water park. We actually went to the Dundee Water Park over spring break, it was a blast. I will post pictures soon. So on Devin's actual birthday he picked Fat Boys Pizza for dinner that night, his choc. cake, and we asked our neighbor to stay for dinner.
He actually lost his 3rd tooth on his birthday...opps..the tooth feiry still has yet to come..she must be pretty busy and he must have forgot..LOL good thing..I am bad like that! It is funny that he is 8 and only lost his 3rd tooth..the dentist says he is a year behind in his age on his teeth..

I always forget details on things..so luckily I could find at least 2 candles for his birthday..they burned so fast it almost started the cake on fire..LOL

Kenny, our neighbor and Devin.

Since it is a Black Week at GM

2009-04-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

They layed 2 people off in Jim's department today. It is now late in the afternoon and Jim has next been texting me or calling me..so I am waiting to hear how his 1:30pm meeting went with his department after they did the lay off's this morning....no word....I am staying calm...

I have been on the phone with my dad and asking him about life on the farm if Jim does happen to loss his job. Dad came up with a plan that I think I like that thought of! He said we could move into their house (my childhood house that my parents built brand new when I was born) it is a large 4 bedroom with an unfinished basement that we could finish and maybe turn into another bedroom so each boy could have their own rooms! It has 2 1/2 baths and a 2 car garage plus it sits on 40 acres! I think I would enjoy living where I grew up. So then my parents would build a house on my grandparents farm in the middle of the woods (it has always been my mom's dream to live in a log cabin in the woods). We could all work together and develop my dad's current organic cow business he has been working on for a few years. I love marketing so it would be fun for me to market his business! Jim would be so happy he could deer hunt whenever he wanted, during deer season. I would be happy to have Jim home with me a lot and the boys would go to school where I went to school in good ole hickville as we call it..LOL

So with that said..it is good to have a back up plan just in case Jim were to come home today or another day and tell me he lost his job at GM. :)

2009-04-20T17:00:00.001-07:00

I am realizing I am behind in my post. 3 weeks ago Kirstin, Jim's neice (mine too of course)this would be his brother, Tim's daugther, called us during her spring break and asked if she could stay with us. Jim met Lori, her mom half way and she stayed from Wednesday night til Saturday. We loved having her here. She was an amazing help! She is 11 years old. It was a really fun week too. I took her and Landon, Ian and Nolan to see the Easter Bunny. I really can not stand the whole bunny thing but my friend called me to take them so I agreed and met her at the mall. I thought the pictures were so funny! Nolan did not know what to think of this huge bunny thing..and it was actually Landon's first time ever sitting on the bunny's lap..he is almost 5. LOL
We also took Kirstin and the boys to the Y swimming one night, and Kirstin was able to attend a pizza party at Landon's school on that Friday. She had a great time. She then talked me into renting movies for her and the boys..it did not take much to twist my arm....We love you Kirstin and thanks for all your help being such a great mommy's helper. We hope you had fun!

I was with Landon on the egg hunt while Jim took Ian and Nolan so that left Devin on his own, being almost 8 inside the church he can handle it..so I went on a mission to find Devin after the hunt was done..this is what I found..him eating all his candy as fast as he could before mom found him..LOL

Look how many eggs Kirstin found that day!

Tim and Kirstin

Our first Easter Egg Hunt!

2009-04-01T16:53:00.001-07:00

I had around 16 kids here this afternoon along with their mom's. I loved it. Landon said to me after it was all done "thanks mom for the Easter egg hunt" and he hugged me...awe it was totally worth all the cleaning and prepping.. :)

This is a typical Nolan look...did I tell you he is known as Brutas or the Brut in our house..He has the strongest will out of all our boys..we have a lot of will to break in this child..LOL

Spring Fling Expo......

2009-03-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

Come and visit me at this event. I will be offering my Ionic Foot Detox Bath and running a special of only $25.00 instead of my $35.00 rate that day!! I was told there will be a ton of give-aways to win and a free chair massage..how can you pass that up???

SPRING FLING EXPO

APRIL 5TH 2:30PM TO 5:30PM
NEMOKE TRAIL APARTMENTS CLUBHOUSE LOCATED AT:
1765 NEMOKE TRAILS, Haslett, MI

*Free chair massage
*Free nail polish changes
*Mary Kay Cosmetics and Skin Care
*Lia Sophia Fashion Jewelry
*Tasteful Simple
*Cupid.com Speed Dating
*Elegant Wigs
*Changes Salon
*Lansing Area Jaycess
*Many other fashion, beauty, health, and fun items/services!!!

Over $1000.00 in Door Prizes, Giveaways, Gift Cards and Freebies
Admission is FREE

I stepped out of the dark ages......

2009-03-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

Some of you have asked for a picture of myself down 30 pounds..so here I am! I started at the Y today and LOVED it. I have always loved working out but today I was so happy..I was listening to my favorite tunes on my new ipod (yes, I stepped out of the dark ages and bought one yesterday after I signed up for the Y. LOL ) After Landon is out of school I plan to sign up for some kick butt classes but until then I will just work out on my own plan. I decided I needed to take it up to the next level of weight loss...Summer is right around the corner and this summer will be the best!!

40 days........

2009-03-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

I toally stole this from Noel, one of our pastors at Riverview. I was deeply moved by this and thought I would share..wow! I hope you enjoy it like I do!

Down 30lbs! And..introducing Sullivan, my friends son.

2009-03-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Wanda and Sullivan

This is Sidney her 4 yr old seeing her new baby brother for the first time! My camera was not working well so this is the best i could do...

I am so excited....down my first 30lbs today. I was a bit sleepy after not sleeping for more than 24 hours so it never registered in my brain after I weighed in until she told me!!! Normally, I know this right away..

On Tuesday my friend Wanda called and said it was baby day and she was going to be admitted the the hospital that night around 8pm. I told her I would be there after 11pm so Cory could take their 4 year old daughter home..I stayed with her all night while she labored. She was such a tropper and was awesome! I am so proud of her. I am also honored she had me help her! I called Cory at 4:30am on Wed. morning and told him that Wanda's water had broken and he should hurry since she was at a 6! He got there in perfect timing...I told them to let me take Sidney to the waiting room while Sullivan was born...he was born at 5:35am and he was perfect! 9lb. 4 ounces and 21 inches long!!! Thanks Wanda for including me in your birth of your sweet son..I loved it! I will post pictures soon.....

I WON!!!!

2009-03-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Look what I won today! I am so excited. What would you pick???? HELP!

Congratulations! You won our drawing for voting for us in the People's Choice Awards.

Please contact our office at 694-4972 to pick your choice of the following:
Food & A Flick, $50 gift card at Steven L. Marvin Salon or $50 gift card at the Wild Strawberry Florist.

Kathy Kittle
Office Manager
Chiro-Technology
517-694-4972

Organic Beef For Sale.........

2009-03-17T08:35:00.000-07:00

My dad raises Organic Cows. He just called me today stating he will have some ready to sell..you can buy half or whole cow from him. He says it will cost about $3.50 per pound and whole cow will dress out around 350 to 450 pounds, depending on the size of your cow of course. So just post here if you want your name added to the list..it would be perfect for summer steaks, burgers, etc...it is a great deal and organic!!!

Chico Bags!

2009-03-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

www.ChicoBag.com

These are sweet! I just ordered 300 of them yesterday to sell at our Mom 2 Mom sale on Saturday, March 28th. Noon til 5pm. You can pick out fun colors! Half off your purchase goes to our preschool!!!

They are made with recycle materials!

ps. if you can not make it to the sale just let me know what kind you want and I can get it to you.

Detoxing Nolan

2009-03-13T07:24:00.000-07:00

I was able to detox Ian and Nolan for the first time this week. I was so surprised to see what came out of my youngest, Nolan who is 2 1/2. His birth mom smoked with him so I am not surprised that he still has tobacoo in his system....if by a chance of a miracle she did not smoke with him she was at least around 2nd hand smoke..so his water was very brown!

Emma and her boys!

2009-03-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had my girlfriends over and their kids for a playdate. My one girlfriend lives in Grand Rapids area and my other lives in Okemos. So for us to get together is always a treat! Here are so fun pictures Gretchen took with my camera of her daughter Emma and all the boys! We have 7 boys and 2 girls between the 3 of us! The first picture if of Norah...she is 1 1/2..cute uh?!

Paul Harvey.....Good Day and Good Bye!

2009-03-04T06:49:00.000-08:00

How ironic that Paul Harvery and my grandpa died the same year. I would hear Paul Havery and always think of grandpa. He would always listen to him during the lunch hour...that was the only time I ever listened to Paul Havery and I really enjoyed him. My grandpa was 92 when he passed this year and Paul was 91.

Why Eating a Rainbow Can Lead to a Pot of Gold

2009-02-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

I am a huge fan of Dr. Wycoff in East Lansing...here is something I received from him today..enjoy!

February 25, 2009
Why Eating a Rainbow Can Lead to a Pot of Gold
Are your current dietary habits leading you to a pot of gold or a pot belly? Unfortunately, most Americans consume a less-than-optimal diet, one that is disproportionately low in fruits and vegetables and high in saturated fats and refined sugars and carbohydrates. This “Standard American Diet” (or S.A.D.) has been linked to many chronic health conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
Lowering the Risk of Chronic DiseaseMost of us know that fruits and vegetables play a key role in a healthy, balanced diet. Plant-based foods, in general, are naturally low in fat and provide important nutrients (called phytonutrients) and dietary fiber. Scientific research shows that diets rich in fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of chronic disease. For instance, in a meta-analysis covering 278,495 individuals followed over 11 years, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables from three servings per day to five servings per day was associated with a 17 percent reduction in coronary heart disease. Another study of 126,000 adults found that eating just one extra serving of fruits and vegetables daily could reduce the risk of stroke by six percent.
Don’t Be S.A.D. — Be Glad!
Sadly, many Americans rely on fast food restaurants as their source of fruits and vegetables. According to Dr. David Heber, author of the book, What Color is Your Diet, the top five choices for fruits and vegetables in the United States are iceberg lettuce, tomatoes (including sauces), potatoes (mainly French fries), bananas, and oranges (mainly as juice). But iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and French fries are typically part of an unhealthy diet (as in burgers and fries). And relying on orange juice and bananas alone won’t deliver the variety of nutrients required for good health.
A Rainbow of Nutrients
Eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables will give your body the range of valuable nutrients it needs to maintain health, such as fiber, folate, and vitamins. And the deeper the color, the better: color is indicative of natural pigments that have been linked with health-promoting benefits. For example:
Red: Tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit may contain lycopene, a phytonutrient that been linked with reduced incidence of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, and macular degeneration.
Orange/yellow: Carrots and sweet potatoes are a good source of carotenoids, phytonutrients that convert to vitamin A. Among the many biological functions of vitamin A are cellular growth and vision. Lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are a good source of vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Vitamin C helps to form collagen in bones, cartilage, and muscle. It is also necessary for the absorption of iron.
Green: Dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale contain lutein. In patients with retinitis pigmentosa, lutein has been shown to help improve night blindness and peripheral vision.
Blue/purple: Blueberries, grapes, raisins, and eggplant may contain anthocyanidins, which function as antioxidants to protect from cellular damage.
White: Garlic and onions are a source of allicin, a natural compound exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal properties. Bananas and potatoes contain potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate heart function, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle activity.
Making Colorful Foods Part of Your Daily Regimen
With today’s busy schedules, moving away from fast food to a more healthful diet, i.e., one that is more simple, balanced, and colorful, can seem challenging. But the good news is, doing so is not only easy, it can also be delicious!
Here are a few tips for getting more variety and color in your diet:
Each week, try a new fruit or vegetable
Visit ethnic grocery stores
Make rainbow fruit kabobs
Try dishes that invite color, such as stir-fries, omelettes, soups, salads, wraps, and smoothies
Switch from mashed potatoes to sliced carrots, or from corn to spinach
Toss in red pepper, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, or broccoli
Add rinds of oranges or lemons to water, chicken or fish
Eat fruit salads
Try a little bit of every color at a salad bar
Let Us Help
Therapeutic lifestyle change (TLC) programs, including healthy eating, fitness, and stress reduction, are effective in helping prevent and manage many chronic health conditions.

Holt's Largest Mom 2 Mom Sale!!!

2009-02-24T05:46:00.000-08:00

Holt Cooperative Preschool will be holding a Mom 2 Mom sale. We have a few more spots available if you would like to purchase a table. The cost of the table is only 20.00. If you would like to attend the sale the cost is only 1.00 at the door. All proceeds benifit the preschool.

When: Saturday, March 28th 12 Noon til 5pm
Location:HOLT PRESBYTERIAN CH 2021 N AURELIUS HOLT, MI48842

You can e-mail laura at lauracmc2001@yahoo.com for more info or to sign up for a table.

Down my first 20lbs!

2009-02-16T14:24:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sure my face does not seem as fat and I know my pants are for sure much larger and I might have to buy a belt for the first time in YEARS! I keep thinking fat people do not buy belts..LOL It is either a belt or new pants and I am too cheap to buy new pants yet....until this summer is when I plan to buy new clothes..

My Family

2009-02-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

We went and visted my grandparents on MLK day. I am so glad we did as it was my last time ever to see my grandpa. I am so grateful. It has really been affecting Devin, our oldest lately with lossing great grandpa. On the way to church today he asked when are we going to bury Great Grandpa? I explained that he is not going to be buried but instead we will spread his ashes in his woods on the farm. On our way home today Landon said Devin had been crying a little about Great Grandpa..awe..
My grandma Kellogg, Landon, Nolan, Devin, Ian and my dad

Getting Healthy

2009-02-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

A few of you know I have been working on getting healthy. The old saying that you eat what you want in your 20's and work on being healthy to live longer in your 30's is for sure true with me. I declared 2009 is the year of me.....while in my head that sounds selfish "all about me" I really am focusing on lossing this weight I have put on over the last 10 years or so....I have always had a weight issues since a teenager. Being told you are fat and ugly probably did not help the matter when I was a teen. I have put those behind me and I am moving on. One of my favorite things to do is serve others...so while I said I was focusing on me this year..I have also purchased (thanks to my wonderful supporting husband) an Ionic Foot Detox Machine! I not only get to detox my family but I get to detox others and make them feel good. I love it and I love serving them! It is a win win for me and them!

I am doing Medical Weight Loss for my weight program. I have tried several over the years including: giving myself shots, weight watchers (3 times), some expensive program I do not even remember the name in East Lansing (I think it was called MPS?). I started getting very serious after Christmas break, even though I had joined the program early December. I am currently down 16 pounds and have a lot more to lose but they said if I stick to their program I will be down my 100 pounds I want to loss in 39 weeks!!! So I will have a new me by late summer early fall..I am so excited. I have been trying to work out every day and I rarely want to ever cheat on my food plan. I love the accountabilty of going to Medical Weight Loss 3 times a week. It is good to talk with someone and for them to weigh me. Thank you to my wonderful husband who has been such a suport and an encourager to me through all of this. I know he does not care how I look but just wants me to be healthy and happy all around..I am happy 90% of the time just having to deal with my weight issues...has been the other 10% of not being happy....Know what I mean?

I love this letter from my uncle...I thought I would share

2009-01-27T06:46:00.000-08:00

Update about my Father, Webster F. Kellogg's passing. September 1, 1916 to January 25th, 2009. 92 years old!

About 1:30 PM today, mother and dad were about to eat their lunch when dad said he didn't feel good. Mother suggested that he go and lie down on the couch, and he did. A few minutes passed and she went in to the living room to ask him if he wanted an aspirin. He said no and that his chest hurt. Then, he slumped over on the couch and she could not get any response from him. This was about 1:50 PM. She called Dennis first and then Jerilyn who called 911. I was called about 2:00 PM. We got ready to go to the farm and while Sue was finishing getting ready, I quickly e-mailed some of you at 2:09 PM and then we left.
I apologize for not personally contacting each of you by telephone as I was in a hurry to get to the farm. Sue tried to call some of you by cell phone but the phone battery went down driving over there.
When we arrived at the farm about 2:30 PM, the EMT ambulance-search and rescue and Michigan State police were already in the house. Dennis & Linda, their son Jason, Jerilyn & Gary and daughter Janel and Trent Reynalds. Dad was laid out on the living room floor where the medical team had placed him. They said that there was no pulse in him when they first arrived. I guess the time of death was about 1:45 PM.
All of us that were there got to see dad for a few minutes before the medics carried him out to the ambulance. They were going to take him to the Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma for the medical examiner to issue a death certificate. Sue and I will be going to the hospital tomorrow and then relay dad's final wishes to the funeral director.
As per dad's direction, he will be cremated in a day or two and then sometime this spring, in warmer weather, we will hold a celebration of his life with all that wish to come.
He got to live in the same house and on the same farm that he loved-for his whole life. He and his mother, Ruth Kellogg, moved onto the farm about 1928 or 1929 and he did not leave it until today! He was not in any pain except for the final moments. He died in his own bed-so to speak. We all should be so lucky!
I know that all of you have pleasant memories of my father, Webster F. Kellogg and that all of you will cherish those memories for years to come. He lived a long and useful life and showed all of us the way to live- and to die. Do it under your own terms!
He was in about the same physical condition the last few days as he has been all fall. Quite remarkable for his age and health.
We all knew his death was coming so we are not 'just shocked' . Mother was and is taking dad's death quite well this evening. Denise is staying with her tonight.
We can all be prepared but never ready.

Thank you all for the condolences.
Harold G. Kellogg

My Grandpa Kellogg.....I love you

2009-01-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

My sweet adorable grandpa who was 92 years old went to be with Jesus yesterday afternoon. He was at home and my dad said he was probably gone before he even laid on the couch (the perfect way to go). I was truely blessed to have him in my life the past 33 years. He and I would love to sit and have coffee together. I am so thankful that something inside of me told me to take the family and visit him last Monday (MLK day). Here is the last pictures I have of him..... Waiting until summer to do his memorial service. My grandma seems to be doing well. She has not had a mini stroke yet so they think she will not... (she has those often). My aunt is going to stay at the house with her for a few days. The boys have amazed me this afternoon. Devin said lets hold hands and pray. Devin and Landon both prayed for Great Grandpa. Now they keep talking about his body stays here but his soul will go to Heaven..it is sweet and a great learning time for them!

I posted this back in September around his 92 birthday but this is one of my favorite pictures of him...

Wycoff Wellness Center Open House!

2009-01-22T19:17:00.000-08:00

I plan to attend this on Saturday. I just wanted to pass the info along..i am excited to attend and learn some new things from Dr. Wycoff. You can check out his website at http://www.wycoffwellness.com/
Ring in a Healthy New Year
Ring in a Healthy New Year at the Wycoff Wellness Center's Open House, Saturday, January 24, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

20% off all products - including on line orders
Prizes!
Refreshments
Demonstrations
Free BIA testing - $75 value
Free IonCleanse Footbath - $40 value - available to 15 customers that day, all others will receive a coupon good for a later date
Free Zinc deficiency testing
Representatives from Metagenics, Ortho Molecular and Spectracell will be available to answer your questions

Ionic Foot Bath Detox..Warning..pictures might gross you out!

2009-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Look what my sweet husband is letting me buy! I love having an Ionic Foot Bath done. I have had them done a few times since the spring. I have noticed great results. Especially after my first one when tons of yeast came out.....yuck but I have not struggled with yeast since!

I had a few ladies over for a spa party at home during the summer. My friend, Margie brought her machine..look at some of the toxins pulled out of their feet! YUCK!

In a few weeks shortly after my machine arrives, I am going to start doing these for people. My rates will be the same as my friend because I feel those are great prices and afordable. $35.00 if you come to my house or $50.00 if I travel to you. I am also going to be running ladies spa parties....this is where you have a few ladies over to your house and I travel to you. If you have 3 or 4 ladies there you can earn a FREE foot detox!!!

changing your blog page..it is easy!

2009-01-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

YOu can go to the Lou site listed in my blogs to read site..they tell you how easy it is to change your blog site..Thanks again Amy for sharing. They just want you to post their info for others to see..it is FREE!

Thanks for posting your blog site for me!

Help! I need your blog address....

2009-01-15T11:27:00.000-08:00

I changed my blog page look (thanks to Amy!) but I lost all my blog address of those I like to read..if you were on there or want to be added..please tell me your address in the comment area..sorry for this mess!

Check this out!!!

2009-01-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

Boys Will Be BOYS..........

2009-01-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

Cousins! When we were at my MIL Christmas at the end the boys were getting hot from playing so they started taking their shirts off. I had to have their pictures because it was so cute! So here are our boys with their cousin TJ. TJ loves all his boy cousins!

TJ

Pictures from Christmas

2009-01-05T14:42:00.000-08:00

My favorite picture of the day was Nolan. He received some teddy bears from his brothers and he was so happy to have new "babies" from them!!

Landon was very excited to see what Ian and Nolan had received from Santa..the roller coaster in the background..it was cute!

Nice face Devin! This is him opening his gift from my parents. My mom bought him the cuttest watch with a lizzard on the hands..it glows in the dark, etc..very cute. He learned his lesson quickly on how to respond to gifts..it turns out it was one of his favorite gifts but he reacted like that because he was not given a toy. Surprise for a 7 year old. LOL

My neice Hannah and my mom. Hannah is wearing her new Hannah Montana shirt we got her and she screamed when she opened up her Hannah Montana scooter. So I am pretty sure she liked it! My mom turned 59 on Christmas Eve. I think she looks amazing for 59! I can only hope I look that good when I am there.

My dad. I bought him a hat that lights up. I thought it would be helpful doing chores on the farm when it is dark out. He really liked it. Please note all his clothes he has on in our house opening gifts. We keep our house at 67 for heat. He is freezing whenever he comes over....they burn wood for heat so their house is SO HOT!

My MIL, Vicki opening her gift of her 2nd album I have made for her over the years. This album was filled of all the grandkids and the most recent Christmas and gatherings. I also made a special page dedicated to her boyfriend, Jim who passed in September. She really liked it.

This picture of Ian is so funny, I had to share. He was very excited to receive Grandma Kellogg's gift of a new Big School bus! He loves to ride the school bus every day..it is so cute!

We left some of Jesus' birthday cake for Santa that night..and half glass of coke. I told Devin Santa would be drinking and eating a lot that night so he only needed a half of glass. LOL

Here is what the stockings hung on this year. I found this on-line for cheap. I really like it.

Snow Fight!!

2009-01-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

Right before Christmas Jim, Devin and Landon had fun playing in the snow. The boys loved tackling Jim in the snow and throwing snow balls at them.
Here is the snowman they made together....

Devin's face with his snowman is so FUNNY

Oh Santa Baby.........

2008-12-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

Today we took the boys to their 2nd attempt to see Santa. (the first time he was out feeding his reindeer for an hour and we did not have that much time to wait) We have never had a child scream his head off at Santa. Somehow I knew that Nolan would be "that kid" to do it..sure enough he screamed..we laughed so HARD! The first picture is the one "I paid for" that is so FUNNY...Ian looks HIGH, not sure what Landon is doing, Nolan is screaming, and Devin is looking at Nolan and Santa is not even looking at the camera..LOL
The rest is what I took of each boy...Nolan is the big winner of the day! The BEST picture is what I won today!!! We drove to Riverview to pick up my goods I won from their Silent Auction with proceeds going to Missions...OPPS. I won and never knew until the lady left me a message telling me to pick up my stuff...I only paid 39.00 for all that YUMMY Starbucks treats and a 20.00 gift card to the Yellow Strawberry Florist..Merry Christmas to me..coffee and flowers..my favorite!!! (still feeling rather guilty that no one out bid my low numbers)

2 Mailings This Christmas Card Season

2008-12-20T18:22:00.001-08:00

Jess made us an adoption notice. Since it was the end of Oct. I sent them out instead of an actual Christmas picture, I sent them out right before Thanksgiving. Well...I ran out of those and cards...

So I just went to the store on Thursday and made up brand new pictures and bought new cards..I sent those out to several more families and friends...I think it is funny depending what group of mailing you received...is what you received!! I am pretty sure I sent out more than ever before this year...It must have been well over 100 cards this year..and I am still sending!
Here is what I sent out during the 2nd round of Christmas Cards...I am CRAZY but it is fun!

Christmas Family Pictures

2008-12-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine is just starting her new photography business and wanted some volunteers. I of course said ME!!! I said she could experience our crazy fun family.
So here are our pictures...enjoy!

http://www.directionstudios.com/ Click on Client Proofing and Click on us..Peiffer Family

First Day on the job was AWESOME

2008-12-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

I was so happy yesterday morning at 8am as I was driving to the Department of Human Services Office for my first official "first day" on the Foster Care Review Board. I was so excited to think that I was dressed in my professional clothes again and did not have that mom look..well..except I still had my mini van with all 4 car seats in it..so I guess that still made me look like a mom..LOL

We dove right into case readings and I was assigned my first case. We started seeing cases right at 10am and stopped for lunch then went right back at seeing cases. It was truely amazing. We saw cases ranging from parents coming in, to just caseworkers, to an entire room full of caseworkers, counselors, grandparents, siblings, etc..it was amazing. That case took me in awe...I only felt like adopting 1 little boy who was almost 9. My heart went out to him. I loved being there for every minute. I left the office at 4pm. Then headed to my PTO meeting the night at the school and I had to take Devin to Basketball after that..it was a long but awesome day. I will look forward to doing it again next month!!!

The Largest Christmas Store in the World!!

2008-12-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

Is Bronners of course :) We took the boys there and my neice, Hannah. (age 9) Hannah was able to spend 2 nights with us over Thanksgiving break. They all loved having Hannah over. I picked her last Tuesday night and we got up on Wednesday morning ate a large breakfast of French Toast and headed for Bronners.

We had not been there since Landon was a baby. Devin, Ian and Nolan had never been there or had Hannah. Of course after we shopped and looked around for a couple of hours we headed for lunch at the famous Chicken dinner place..Hannah said "Aunt Laura, this chicken is too salty" I looked at her and said " I agree!" it was actually nasty and I really do not complain much...oh well..we will have not remember not to go there again..LOL Which is ok because Jim said we can not go back to Bronners for another 10 years..by then I will forget that I did not like the famous chicken dinner and do it all over again..HA!

Here are some pictures of the kids that day.....

Landon loves babies! He was so excited to see Baby Jesus!

I have determined that this must be a 7 year old pose...he has been doing these funny "cool" poses since Devin has turned 7. I love it! We had each boy pick a color tree they wanted their picture by..here is Devin's.

Hannah loves Precious Moments. I used to as well! She is the closest person to me that resembles me..she even has this cute little annoying curl on the side of her face..that I have and it has always annoyed me not so much now that I know Hannah as it too! :)

Nolan by his blue tree saying "Cheese"

Ian has a new way of taking pictures lately as well as Devin. Raising his arms up like this..it is cute!

It was not until Landon said "mom, take a picture of me" is when I started shooting all these great photo opps! I am so glad he said it...he is a boy after my own picture heart..LOL

This is by far my all time favorite for the day!!!
Devin, Landon and Hannah

Jesus

2008-11-30T11:04:00.000-08:00

I loved what Steve talked about today at church. He talked on how we have two births. The day we were born and the day we received Christ. He says many of us will remember the day we crossed over to our new life. Some will not. Do you remember your day? I do! I was 5 and in my bedroom. Jim was 25 and in his bed. Please share with me when you and where you were at.

New Launch Today!!

2008-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Jim and I are so excited to for this http://www.acquirebenefitsgroup.com/ you have to check it out. We knew a couple years ago this day would be coming and it is finally here! We are so excited to be paid on things we already spend money on. I figure we already spend around 800.00 a month at Sam's club on food and supplies for the family... so now we can purchase Wal-mart gift cards, use them at Sam's club for our already planned monthly purchases and we get paid for using the cards! yay! If you shop at Target, Gap, Old Navy, Lane Bryant, etc..it is all in there..even your phone service from AT&T!! It is very exciting!

We know the economy "looks" very bad right now but if people can learn to plug themselves into making money on-line as the wave of the future then they will be all set. I am so blessed to have a husband who has vision for our family. I love him deeply! Thank you Jim for taking our family forward on to the next level. I believe in you.

just catching up with some pictures

2008-11-11T07:00:00.001-08:00

I am slowing catching up with all my pictures. Here are some of the fall pictures I took right before the color was almost gone..

Here is a funny picture of Jim and I dressed up for a Halloween party. Look how our friend caught Devin in there..LOL

Nemo and his brothers

2008-11-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

ADOPTION DAY!!!!!!!

2008-10-30T17:36:00.001-07:00

I am finally getting around to posting our adoption day pictures from Tuesday! Sorry for the delay, I know you have been texting and calling me...sorry. I have been seriously exhausted (I think it might have taken a lot out of me mentally)I took a 2 1/2 nap yesterday after working in Landon's preschool class. I seriously do not know how Mrs. Truelove does it with all those 3 and 4 year olds every day of the week..yikes!

My Best Friends brought their kids. I thought it was very sweet they pulled them out of school to come and watch this day. Thank you girls! Anyway, That is Jess's son Carter, and Gretchen's son, Owen next to Devin. This is an extra special picture because I have one of those 3 boys when Devin was 4 and they were 3 right before Devin had to go back home to birth mom!

I love this one of Gretchen's kids Owen and Emma looking out the window.

Our best friends Ken and Mary Barnes came. Mary only had 4 hours of sleep that day because she worked all night! Next to them is my MIL, Vicki and my parents in front.

Our family in the court room before the court hearing. Please take notice of the microphones that Landon ran up to and starting talking into...the court lady workers came into the courtroom saying that sound goes into the judges office..LOL I guess he knew the Peiffers had arrived!

Judge Garcia We love and adore. I was a tad bit disappointed because he did not let the kids sit on his lap and hit the gavel like Landon did with Judge Ecomony. Oh well, can not have everything..

Ballons from the kids lawyer. Very thoughtful.

Our first family picture as the Peiffer family!

I love this one of Jim holding Nolan..I think he looks HOT!!! ;)

Look at all the kids! Between my best friends and I we have 10 kids in this picture! 7 boys and 3 girls...sorry ladies! LOL

The Ice Cream cake from Baskin Robins. Devin requested it so I took the picture. It was yummy!
Thank you so much for all the calls, texts, coming to our big day, etc..your support over the past 4 years of being foster parents has been awesome!!!! Our family is complete.....at least I think...God only knows...yikes..do you think he thinks we can handle more?? OH MY!

So Proud of Devin!!

2008-10-26T20:06:00.001-07:00

Tonight, I had tears in my eyes. We were invited by our neighbors to join them at their church, Mt. Hope, Church with all the flags. So we went. There was a speaker who was celebrating his 60th year in the ministry. Some might know him and his wife from cable tv with a Christian show? Jack Van Impe. Anyway, he spoke on end times and the 7 signs and how he believes we are in the end times..he kept speaking on different groups over the years on they all believe Dec. 28, 2012 might be the date...(weird that day will be the day after Jim's 40th) anyway..Jack was amazing with knowing scripture...he spoke and quoted and never used any notes..it was blowing me away.

So...at the end Dave Williams, Mt. Hope pastor did an alter call. He had anyone who wanted to say a prayer asking Jesus into their lives and then go up front. Guess who ask Christ into his life tonight?! Devin!!!! He said "mom will you go up front with me?" I said of course..keeping the tears back. I was so proud. I have always felt God is going to do amazing things in his life. I really know it now. I love you Devin!

Devin Soccer and Landon's Field Trip

2008-10-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of Devin playing soccer this fall:

Landon had a field trip to the Delhi Fire Station a couple of weeks ago. He LOVED it! He seem to ask the most questions and loved Firefighter Steve.

His friend Nathan

Nolan went with us. Landon and Nolan are sitting between the set of twins in his class: Abby and Ally

Do not be fooled...Nolan was not the perfect child just sitting in his stroller all morning..no, this was at the end..he was running around like any 2 year old does best!

I got it!

2008-10-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

I just found out today that I received a spot on the Foster Care Review Board for Ingham County. I interviewed yesterday. I have not had an interview for at least 5 years, so I was a bit nervous. The ladies put me right at ease once I sat down. It was funny to be interviewing for a volunteer postion..and I kept thinking if I do not get it..that just seems really bad! LOL Luckily I found out I got it. Now I am on to training Nov. 5th, 6th and 7th! I am staying in Ann Arbor for 2 nights and everything is paid for..I think I will be in Heaven. I have been wanting a vacation just did not know I would get this..LOL Jim is not too happy with me because his deer hunting vacation is scheduled for those 2 weeks..but hey, this is a lifetime opportunity and I am so excited to be doing something that could help children...

I have been feeling for months that I want to do something to help protect children because the system is failing kids all the time. Poor Devin has been involved with this system for the past 5 years. It is sad but thank God we have him with us now and he will be ours forever along with his 2 brothers! I was told that the judges in our county really do listen to the recommendations from our board. This will be awesom. I will be able to read case studies, meet with social workers, parents, foster parents, and help break down those tough cases and make sure the social workers are not failing these kids in the system. Too many times I just wanted to ring our old foster care's neck for what she allowed to happen to our Devin. I know, you rarely hear me being harsh but I am glad she moved to the East Coast far away from here...not that I would do anything weird but I would probably say some words that should not be said..it is better that she moveed!

So now, I have gone in full circle: started out a Children's Protective Service Worker, counselor with Highfields, Foster parent to many wonderful kids, and now finally I am on the Foster Care Review Board to hopefully help save the lives of children.

Montage of the boys....

2008-10-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

these pictures are from the 2007 and 2008 year. Enjoy!!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Yes, I am a CRAZY mom......

2008-10-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

That loves to fundraise for her boys schools Here is what I am working on if anyone is interested in any of them please let me know: I am currently working on 2 fundraisers for Landon's preschool: 1. Cookie sale: www.savoryfoods.com We are selling them for 10.00 a tub and I am currently taking orders. You can mail me a check. Here are what the cookies look like..I love to buy the sugar cookies and use them for all the Christmas parties that we have (this year we have 3 to attend!) Delivery for them will be around mid November so just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and treats

Homestyle Ready-to-Bake Cookies contain only the finest ingredients: wholesome oats, plump raisins, brown sugar, and real Hershey chocolate chunks and Reeses's Peanut Butter. Try all of our varieties made fresh to order!

Allergen Statement: "MANUFACTURED IN A FACILITY THAT ALSO PRODUCES PEANUT PRODUCTS"

CHOCOLATE CHUNK
Made with real, semi-sweet Hershey® chocolate chunks.

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE
Rich Dutch cocoa-based dough with real semi-sweet Hershey® chocolate chunks.

CHOCOLATE CHUNK PECAN
Made with real, semi-sweet Hershey® Chocolate and premium pecans.
PEANUT BUTTER
Resse's® Peanut Butter & Peanut Butter pieces for peanut butter lovers.

CANDY
Chock full of Candy Coated Chocolate Pieces for your sweet tooth.
SUGAR
Perfect to decorate for the holidays.

WHITE MACADAMIA
Delicious, wholesome nuts and white chocolate chunks in a moist cookie.
SNICKERDOODLE
Delicious cinnamon chips in a sugar cookie dough.

OATMEAL RAISIN
Loaded with plump raisins. A very moist cookie.
COCONUT PECAN
Chewy yet crispy, loaded with crispy rice, coconut and pecans.

MINT DOUBLE CHOCOLATE
Chocolate and mint drops in a delicious chocolate dough.

2. Mom to Mom sale: I am currently still selling tables for this event. The tables are only 20.00. They will be 8ft tables and you can sell anything. It is like a HUGE indoor garage sale. We also have a room just for home based business too! Let me know if you want more info. You can come and shop at the preschool as well for only 1.00! The proceeds go the preschool. Date: Saturday, Nov. 1st sale runs from 12noon until 5pm. I would suggest getting in line at 11am to have first dibs on everything!

Devin and Ian's school at Sycamore

1. I am currently organizing a fundraiser called "Who Let the Mom's Out" it is a 15 hour crop at the school. We are charging $50.00 for this fundraiser and it includes a lot for your money! Breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a gift at your seat and chances to win prizes..BIG prizes. The date is Saturday, Oct. 25th times are from 9am-12 midnight! You are allowed to set up on Friday night as well to be ready to scrapbook as soon as you get there on Saturday!!

Oh SWEET Ty!!!

2008-09-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

Look how close one of my friends was to Ty!!! We are all in awe....

We just received our NEW adoption date!

2008-09-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

I guess the courts like Tuesdays because our new adoption date will be Tuesday, Oct. 28th at 2pm!!!! YAY! This all ironic because Oct. 31st-Nov 1st will be 5 years Devin has been dealing with Foster Care System/torture off and on... We are so glad this will be done and official!!

Here are a few pictures I have taken lately..
Landon fell asleep outside

My grandpa celebrated his 92 birthday this month so I bought him this Kellogg's hat! He loved it!

Ian getting off the bus. Riding the bus his is favorite part of school!

HOLT IS Famous!! Extreme Makeover is HERE! Oh Ty Pennington

2008-09-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Holt family to get 'Extreme Makeover'
Jeremy W. Steele • jwsteele@lsj.com • September 26, 2008 • From Lansing State Journal

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UPDATED 10:40 A.M. - HOLT - The Holt family of Tim Nickless will receive a new home from the ABC television program, 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.'

The Nickless family lives in an 1860s farmhouse on Eifert Road. Tim Nickless, an intensive care nurse at Ingham Regional Medical Center, died earlier this year of Hepatitis. He is survived by his wife Arlene and three sons.

Police and Extreme Makeover private security closed Eifert Road between Holt and Willoughby this morning as a caravan of production vehicles and a motor coach went to the home to notify the family of the news.

Authorities on the scene include the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department and private security wearing Extreme Makeover identification.

A crowd of about 30 people gathered earlier this morning at the corner of Holt and Eifert but dispersed after the caravan went by.

“Tim Nickless was a true Renaissance man,” according to an ‘Extreme Makeover’ press release. “This loving husband and father to three young boys was not only a respected nurse devoted to his patients but also a gifted craftsman, mentor and environmentalist. As president of the Lansing Area Flying Aces model airplane club, and a member of the Arbor Day Society, Tim had a lust for life and a love for all things living. However after a painful 7-year battle with Hepatitis C, Tim died on January 19, 2008. Arlene and her three boys are now on their own in a 148-year-old farmhouse that is in dire need of repairs. Its walls, floors, and foundation are deteriorating, and the old wiring is a fire hazard. Had he survived, Tim would have and could have turned this dilapidated house into their dream home. It is now up to Ty and his designers to do just that, for with Tim’s untimely passing, Arlene and the boys are desperate for help.”

Ingham Regional spokeswoman Emily Davis said the hospital has been rounding up volunteers at the hospital for this project.

Donna Schultz, a neighbor and friend of the Nicklesses, said she helped Arlene pack some things Wednesday night. Their children have gone to school together.

"They definitely need this, the house is in really tough repair," Schultz said.

She said there are uneven floors and the windows are in bad shape.

In the crowd was Ruth Laramie who is 85 today. The Clio woman has a daughter who lives in Holt. She said she came because she wanted a chance to see Ty Pennington, the show’s host, on her birthday.

"I just want to see him and give him a big kiss on the cheek," she said.

Lansing-based Mayberry Homes is donating its services as general contractor.

“We are deeply touched by the Nickless family story, and Mayberry Homes has recruited a tremendous local volunteer support to help build them a new home,” said Karen Schroeder, Director of Sales and Marketing for Mayberry Homes in a released statement.

Work will start Sunday and should be complete by Thursday.

Here are a few things you might want to know:

How can I help?
Builder Mayberry Homes, which is donating its services as general contractor, says it has most of the volunteers it needs. The biggest need is cash, said Karen Schroeder, co-owner of the Lansing-based company. The family has an underlying mortgage on the existing house and will have other expenses. Donate at www.mayberryhomesextreme.com.

May I visit the site?

Yes. Starting Monday, spectators are encouraged. That's when the new house should start to go up.

Streets around the house are likely to be closed to traffic. Visitors will have to park at an off-site location and be shuttled to the project. Details should be announced today.

Do they really build a house in a week?

In 106 hours, hopefully. The old house will be demolished Sunday, and the new house should be framed in by Tuesday. The family will get to see the finished product on Oct. 3.

Sometimes the build runs behind schedule, but "we've never not built a family's home in time," Executive Producer Conrad Rickets said. "And you're not going to be the first ones."

While the Lansing build happens, the show will be erecting another house in Albert Lea, Minn. Host Ty Pennington will fly between the two sites next week.

Check www.lsj.com for updates

Calling all Prayer Warriors!

2008-09-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

My mother-n-law's boyfriend of the last 8 years passed away last night. He has been sick with Emphysema the entire time we have known him. History: Jim's dad died in 1998, then we were married in 1999, then Vicki (MIL) started seeing Jim (yes, Jim's dad name was Jim and so is my Jim and so was boyfriend..did you follow all that?LOL) Anyway, I was bummed that she had started dating a guy who was sick and would not have a long life span..he lived longer than expected really. They were really perfect for each other and so a like in so many ways. Now she is alone again for the 2nd time :( I feel for her.

Here are my requests:
1. that God would open up her heart and she would believe in him!
2. That my Brother-n-law Jim's yongest brother would be saved as well.
Answer to prayers for many years: Jim's middle brother, Tim. I have prayed since Jim and I were married in 1999 that he would be saved. He accepted Christ 2 years ago and he just told me tonight that he redicated his life to Christ 2 weeks ago. I am so EXITED. I am praying that he can talk to his mom (my mother-n-law) about Christ!

ps. it has been a rough almost 2 weeks..Jim's uncle Bob passed away a week ago Monday night and now Jim (boyfriend) died last night one week later..we have yet another funeral on Saturday for Jim. 2 in less than 2 weeks..that is a lot..I am praying for NO MORE for awhile!

Cancelled

2008-09-19T11:59:00.001-07:00

Our adoption is cancelled..Look for a date in Oct. The new court worker girls..messed it all up...so they said we have to wait 21 days...oh well..we have waited this long uh?! What is another 21 days?? Thanks everyone for your love and support. We love you all!!!

We have our adoption DATE!!!

2008-09-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

YAY! we are so excited. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 1:30pm our adoption of Devin, Ian and Nolan will be official! They will be officially Peiffer's! One week from today. :) Devin is so excited. We are planning on having Ice Cream cake (per Devin's request) at our house. Anyone is invited and you can bring your kids. I thought you might be curious to what an adoption hearing is like...Please RSVP so I know how much cake to order...so excited!!! We plan on taking the boys to celebrate to a water park hotel place..that is one of their favorite things to do..sometime between now and Christmas.

Landon's First Day of School!!

2008-09-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Mr. Landon on his first day of school. He cracked me up wanting to wear his hat backwards to school! He makes such a fashion statment uh?!

I could not leave Nolan out..since this was our first morning for 2 hours of just him and I for 3 days a week.

The backpack

I talked him into taking off the hat for a picture

The shoes

Beautiful Christian Sister

2008-09-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

My friend Gretch sent this to me and I really liked it a lot so I wanted to share it with all of you. Enjoy!

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTERby Maya Angelou
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christthat a man should have to seek Him first to find her.'When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin''I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.When I say.... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

End of Summer Fun

2008-09-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of the kids from Labor Day weekend. We had my brother over and his daughter Hannah. We took the kids to Hawk Island. It was the perfect weather that weekend for swimming!

Hannah

Who Let The Mom's Out?!

2008-09-06T09:51:00.001-07:00

I am trying to raise funds for Devin's school. Let me know if you want to sign up! It will be a lot of fun!

Do you sometimes feel you're lost in the shuffle of trying to meet everyone else's needs? Any special thoughts on pampering yourself so that you too can occasionally be Number One on your list? We have the solution!! Come one, come all…Introducing:

Who Let the Mom’s Out?!
Please join us for a wonderful day and night of scrapbooking. Plan to relax with your girlfriends or a retreat by yourself.
When: Saturday, Oct. 25th
Time: 9am-Midnight
Location: Sycamore Elementary School, 4429 Sycamore St. Holt, Mi 48842
Cost: $50.00 include breakfast, lunch and dinner and chances to win door prizes, and a gift at your seat. You will also be allowed to set up your scrapping area on Friday night!
What to bring: Your scrapbooking supplies. Are you new to scrapbooking? Do not worry, we will have lots of experts on hand to assist and you can buy your supplies from consultants who will have items for sale!
Hurry spacing is limited!! Sign up with any PTO member.
All proceeds benefit the kids at Sycamore.

Grandpa for President!!

2008-09-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Ok so Gretch has me on this Jib Jab thing..an I am loving it way to much..what do you think about this FUNNY president video?

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

!!First Day of School!!

2008-09-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

For Devin and Ian..Landon does not start until the 15th. So more to come for him later..
Here are pictures of Devin and Ian. Ian was so excited to ride a bus home. Tomorrow he can ride the bus there. I am actually walking Devin to school and was going to walk Ian as well but he loves the bus ride so much he might as well enjoy.

Here is Devin and Ian. How do you like their toothpaste and milk stain? LOL

Ian was so excited!

of course we had to take a picture of Devin's new shoes..he was so excited about those..he was running up to his friends and saying look at my new shoes..he is cute!

Jib Jab

2008-08-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

in honor of one of my best friends birthday (Shannon Wilson Hartman) Our best friend Gretch came up with this..I had to share...

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Nolan's 2nd Birthday!

2008-08-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

On Nolan's actually birthday August 10th when I went to take pictures of him opening his "baby" his blue care bear I could not find my photo card..come to find the boys took it downstairs and it was thrown in the trash when they cleaned the basement..lovely..luckily we figured it and Jim dug threw the trash..LOL Praise the Lord! So we re-enacted his birthday party at my grandparents house and my parents and brother and neice just happen to be there as well.

This is my younger brother, Jason.
Ladies~~He is single and up for bids!!! Anyone? LOL

Nolan's cake I bought for him..it looked yummy but it was AWEFUL! At least it was good for the pictures...

I do not have many of Nolan that turned out well..he was tired and grumpy that day..but this one..is so FUNNY..this is totally him and how he eats..when he is trying to eat Sugar...

My dad was so excited about the cake he took 2 slices..LOL
I have no idea why i am in love with this picture but it is something special to me..at one point Landon was touching my grandm's skin (she is 90) and she said to him this is what happens to your skin when you get old....

The kids playing my grandma's birdbath and Hannah was loving spraying the boys with the hose..it was a hot day!

Nolan was trying to tell me something that day!

Ian

I love this one of Hannah!

I love this one..a care free day on the farm!

Can you answer these questions?

2008-08-23T19:16:00.000-07:00

My girlfriends and I have started our own private blog..it has been so much fun every day we try to post something that is going on with our lives.....we also attended Women of Faith together in early August. We are working on helping each other be accountable too. So here are the first set of questions we are all working on...it is really good! Thought I would just share and see what you think......

Women of Faith Questions

Patsy Clairmont
1.If you could do anything, knowing with certainty that you could not fail (and would not die!) in the attempt, what would it be?

Do you know what holds you back from making the attempt?

What steps might you take to overcome those things that are standing in your way?

As we grow up, many of us seem to lose our ability to dream with utter abandon. We begin to question whether our dreams are valid. We begin to feel hesitant about doing things that seem like flying.
You may be thinking, Im not sure my dream is Gods will. But are you sure that it isnt? Does Gods Word support it? Has God called or equipped you for it? Do you sense Him opening the door? Whats holding you back?

2. What did Jesus tell His disciples in John 16:23-24 about the things we ask of God the Father in Jesus name?

3. What does Ephesians 3:20 tell us about the degree to which God is able and desires to help us succeed in realizing our dreams?

The Bible teaches that many things we do not have in this life, we do not have because we simply dont ask God for them. James 4:2 says clearly, You do not have because you do not ask. God desires that we ask Him for help in all thingsasking Him to give us His desires and dreams, and then give us the courage to pursue them.

4. The Bible presents a clear balance between what we are to ask and how we are to ask it. What do the verses below reveal about the dreams God desires to fill in our lives?Matthew 21:22John 15:7-8James 4:3

But, you may be thinking, I simply dont know what to dream. I dont seem to have any real goals, any unfulfilled desires. Ask God to give you a dream! There are things He is dreaming for you. Start dreaming His dreams for your life.

5. What do the verses below challenge you to do?1 Corinthians 2:9-10Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 42:2-3

Digging DeeperHow important is it to write down what you dream of doing or being? What does Habakkuk 2:2 offer as encouragement? Write down a dream that you feel God may be calling you to pursue. If you dont fee that God has given you a specific dream yet, spend some time in prayer, asking Him to reveal it to you.

Ponder and PrayIs it possible that you are not living your dream life because you have been too afraid or overwhelmed to ask God to help you discover His dream for your life? How might the Lord be inviting you to pray about this today?

Laura's new hair!

2008-08-19T23:00:00.001-07:00

I went to the ever famous Jess' house today for a new cut and color!! I love it. This is her best work ever!! Considering she has been doing my hair for the last 12 years..can you believe it! Anyway..here it is please keep in mind that I have NO make-up on..yuck but I love the fun hair. Thank you once again Jess! I love you!!

God Reveals Our Future!

2008-08-17T18:01:00.001-07:00

I will try not to make this to long and detailed...last weekend was my breaking point. I cried all weekend. I was so sad I could not stop crying. Jim was beside himself because those who know me..I am always so happy and I love to smile! I really did not know what was causing me to cry all weekend..you see I am not very emotional...I never have PMS so what was happening? I was not sure where Jim and I were heading..I was sad to think that my desire for Jim to be retired by now has not happened, I was sad that my parents do not seem to interestd in our boys, etc..

Here is what God revealed to me today at church because of Steve Somerlot's message..if you did not hear it go to www.rivchurch.com it was amazing! You can actually download it to your ipod somehow....(I am still old school and do not own one..yet!)Steve was talking about Moses and his life and how Moses' was there for such a huge moment in time that it turned history...listen to the message..anyway he said God will show us opportunities in our life on how he will use us but he will only reveal those times to us when we know just how BIG he is..Our opportunities will get bigger and bigger the more we are ready to handle them and the bigger God is to us..(the more we know about him, have a relationship with him, etc...) This HIT me hard.

You see....2 years ago God was really starting to lay it on my heart about going up north and doing a church plant with Riverview. I actually spoke with Steve about this then..but was not sure of our future and when Jim was going to retire.....needless to say 2 years have past and WOW, have those 2 years been busy...when I talked with Steve we did not even have a clue about getting our 3 boys that came a few months later...we had no clue on where God would want us to live, or anything..it just fell into our laps! Since moving to Holt I have really enjoyed it but have sensed that we will not stay here for long..I could never picture the boys attending the HUGE high school (since we grew up in hickville)..I just never felt like we would be here long..I now know why!

Just last night I was telling Jim how I still want to move north to do that church plant...Today Steve talked about opportunities to serve..one of those was church plants!! God told me that we are almost ready to go on that church plant..just a little while longer here in Holt to finish some things up! Jim will be retired by the time we go in the next couple of years and that is what we are called to DO! I am so excited. My heart is SO HAPPY! I feel like everything has been lifted off my shoulders and I am FREE!

There is a reason why Jim and I became involved with a leadership development business 4 years ago. I am so proud of him for the man he has become over the last 4 years. His leadership skills are amazing and I am in awe of him every time he speaks! The way he leads people to be the best they can be and you can tell he really loves people. As a recovering engineer this is huge! He was never a people person...he has developed in so many ways I am so proud to be his wife and I love him dearly! I can not wait to see where he takes our family!!!

oh and guess what? My mom even called me on Saturday asking us to get together with them so they could see our boys! Jim and I were in shock!!! God is working...

It was the perfect day for a flat tire.

2008-08-12T09:22:00.001-07:00

This is what I told the guy who changed my tire that AAA hired for me to change it.LOL Yesterday I did a mom swap for my boys so I could attend a doctors appointment. I dropped them off and drove out to Laingsburg (yes we are crazy and drive that far because we love them) and when I was getting off 69 I heard something odd and thought great a tire is flat...I called my doc office and they were very sweet and rescheduled me for a time that worked in Jim's schedule..late afternoon. I called Jim "stressing" like I always call him when in panic mode..he of course says call AAA..of course I know to do that but I have to call Jim first for everything..LOL I called AAA and they got it all taken care of and within an hour I had my tire changed and I headed back to pick up the boys...Luckily it was the perfect weather for a flat tire..it was not too hot, not too cold and not raining and there was no snow! Plus I did not have my 4 boys with me...thank God! Can you imagine the pleasure that would have brought...I did thankfully, have a great book I am reading right now! There are still wonderful people in this world to stop and help..I had 3 men stop and ask if I was ok and needed help..awesome uh? God is good and it worked out fine..Jim took my van and got me 2 new front tires last night!! Once again..I love AAA and I will never leave them nor forsake them...Amen. LOL

what do you think?

2008-08-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Devin

Landon

Ian

Nolan...the one from below is my favorite...

All 4!

Picture Snob? Or Practical?

2008-08-06T11:14:00.001-07:00

So I am a picture snob...or something..maybe just practical? I am not sure what you call it. Ever since investing in priceless pictures from the one and only Marybeth from www.simplylifephotography.com it is hard to go to cheap places to get my boys pictures done...So the problem is I have not taken the boys in a year for their pictures..poor Nolan...considering I used to take Devin and Landon to cheap places all the time..now that Jim bought me a really nice camera 1 1/2 years ago..I tend to think I could take my boys pictures until I can save up for another investment from Marybeth. You know it is a problem when you go to a picture place and you tell them what kind of background you want...plain and simple and when you are the one who wants to be behind the camera instead of the picture girl...that is an issue..LOL
So just playing around here are few of Nolan I took...Jim is going to help me take some tonight to play around and make up their Adoption notice soon...more to be continued...

my favorite one of him!!

Riverview Church Camping Trip

2008-08-04T16:24:00.000-07:00

Jim took Devin and Landon camping. I am not fond of camping so I had an "excuse" not to go because of my 2 younger ones...LOL Jim took a few pictures of the boys..he says I am lucky I got what I did because he would have never rembered to take any..when I asked where is the picture of the tent and the boys? LOL..So here the few he took..I do like them..at the beach.

They did kids games

Devin and Landon helping the Moore Family build a sandle castle

Devin with Rod..looks like Rod was getting some sun white boy!!!LOL

Pure Joy

2008-07-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of my favorite pictures....
Nolan with Uncle Jeremy (Jim's youngst brother)

The boys in their Christmas pj's

Devin's last soccer game

My sweet and adorable grandparents at my grandparents 70th wedding anniversary party last summer. My grandma is 90 and my grandpa will be 92 in September.

Time Out!

2008-07-23T07:11:00.000-07:00

I had to share these funny pictures with you of Mr. Nolan being in Time out...the really funny part is Jim told him to get out and he did not move..he just kept standing there..LOL! I had to take some pictures of my 1 1/2 year old in time out!!

Living in a ME world

2008-07-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at dinner with the fam tonight and Mr. Nolan, our youngest who is almost 2, was demanding that I get him another drink of water. I said you can wait until I am done..I had a few more bites left..this got me thinking about how many of us can be so demanding at times as we live in a all about me society. We need things quick...and easy..if it will take work forget it, most are not willing to go above and beyond..just want to make it by. I just had to share this insight I gained from my 2 year old tonight.

Hot Lazy Summer Day in the MUD

2008-07-19T11:06:00.001-07:00

At least once a summer I let the boys enjoy making mud and playing it! I just happen to let the boys do this on a day when they had a friend over, Michael. He had a blast..I am not sure if many parents allow mud but I think it is SO Much FUN!! Plus great pictures!!!!
Here is Michael with Devin

This is Ian's first year really enjoying the mud too!!

Landon
My favorite picture is this one: Devin getting mud thrown by Landon in his eye!!

Yummy, Watermelon!!

2008-07-17T07:19:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of the boys enjoying their watermelon...I love Nolan and Devin's expressions. They do not look like brothers do they?

The mommy's weekend

2008-07-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning! On Saturday night I was driving home by myself and was rear ended while I was trying to turn. The driver was very young, I would say late teen early twenties. Jim's car was fine and so was her's. The only thing wrong that I did not realize at the moment I talked with her was my neck. Here is what I did wrong that hopefully anyone reading this will learn too: never leave the scene of the accident without calling police. The young girl gave me her phone number and her name. I called the police when I got home realizing I might need a report to have my insurance cover me for medical on my neck. I called the police and they took down my info and told me to drive to the police station on Sunday to make the report. Ok..so I did that on Sunday. When I spoke to the officer she told me if I did file a report I would get a ticket as well as the young girl because it was illegal to leave the scene? I was like what? I had no clue!
The really strange part is right after the accident I called my best friends (who I had just left from being with) and told them what had happened and they told me to report. My friend's husband works as a fire fighter/paramedic so I figured he would know what I should do...the really odd thing that happened was on Sunday morning while my friend was working he recieved a call from the the girl's mom who hit me....asking a bunch of questions..WERID uh? Out of all the people she talked to my friend who knew about the accident!
So I called my insurance guy and he said I could still make a claim without a report. Thank God for AAA!!! They are the best.

Hawk Island

2008-07-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

On Monday my mom and neice, Hannah came to visit for the day. It was a great day! We took the kids to the local county park that is free during the weekdays. The kids had so much fun at the splash pad. I decided to take Devin, Landon and Hannah for a paddle boat ride. Mom kept the 2 little ones while we went for a half hour. Those do cost a little to rent but it was worth it! They were all so good.

This is what Nolan actually preferred doing more than playing in the water

Ian was very mad at mommy that day so of course I had to take his picture throwing a fit..LOL

Ian is the only one who did not go in the water so here he is playing on the fence.

Hannah making a funny face.....

2008-07-06T20:41:00.001-07:00

4th of July

2008-07-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the boys at our friend's house in Battle Creek. The boys have "worms" in their mouths from the yummy Dirt Cake. We hung out with 2 other couples both have girls...you can see them below too

Michigan Adventure

2008-07-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

We took the boys to Michigan Adventure on Tuesday. It was the perfect day! We left the younger two with my mom. I can not believe they lasted from Noon when we arrived until 9pm when the park closed! We headed right to the water park until 3ish then rode a couple of rides before taking a break while waiting for dinner to open at 5pm-6:30 (we paid for a package deal of a BBQ buffet, we are so glad we did that!) Dinner gave Landon a 2nd wind..(or the caffeine and sugar we allowed them to drink...that they never get a home!) so he could last until 9pm.
We drove to our hotel in Muskegon and stayed at the Fairfield Inn. They were so nice there and allowed us a late departure of 2pm! We ate a large breakfast at the hotel and went swimming. I was actually able to read a lot that morning! It was very relaxing. We then picked up Ian and Nolan from my parents house...only to find out that the big storm we had been driving in caused them to lose their power..my dad came home early (rain caused him to stop farming..praise the Lord!) and we actually went and ate at the Middleton Dinner. It was a great ending to our fun mini vacation!

Party Weekend!!

2008-06-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun yet insane weekend! We had a 40th birthday party on Friday night, Saturday I helped with a 35th birthday party, and then we drove out of town and met up with my parents for a quick 40 minute visit before driving to the next party...it was a 60th Wedding Anniversary for Jim's Aunt and Uncle. My parents celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary that day as well. We did get to meet Jason's new girlfriend, Sarah. She is very sweet and we like her.

Today we had some new friends join us for church. Paul spoke on "being a real man" it was amazing! I was completly fired up after his talk!! Then our friends stayed for lunch. We then had around 15 or so come over for a meeting. After they left I had a pampered chef party around 12 ladies came! It was a fun weekend but INSANE...glad Monday is here to rest and sleep in..LOL

Devin

2008-06-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Devin during the past year....I am going to feature each one of the boys...

what to do when your 4 year old has a girlfriend.....

2008-06-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Landon and Zoie have become fond of each other. Here are some pictures from the Mother's Tea back in May. What is a mother to think about this??? UM? 1. it is very cute and adorable 2. they are only 4!!! EEK The really funny part is she has visited us several times...and Miss Zoie is perfect for the Landon..(weird i know) she always says "Landon, do not do that" or "stop acting that way Landon" she is very mature for being 4 and Landon is goofy and fun...she is very serious and gets to the point....opposites do attract but at 4?! HELP!!!

my dad

2008-06-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

In honor of Father's Day this past weekend I thought I would share a more recent picture of my father, Dennis Kellogg. We gave him this gift at Christmas..a family picture..that Mary Beth took.. http://www.simplylifephotography.com/ she is amazing. I love my dad because he amazes me. Just when I think he can do no more, he just keeps on going and coming up with new ideas or tries new things..I have his sense of adventure in me. He gave me that drive that I have today not to be average...he gave me that fun fight of life in me. I love you dearly dad......thank you for being my dad.

This green is so me!

2008-06-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

Are you loving it?! So bright, fresh and fun! Since my friend's Shan and Jess both have a blog I guess I better step out of the dark ages and get one too.......Peer pressure is all I have to say..LOL

I will have to figure out how to add pictures later....Today was day one of VBS Kids Kamp. We had 17 kids!! I am pretty excited about our turn out. It was so neat because I met so many of my neighbors and the kids seem to have a blast. My boys really loved having everyone over......

I had a really fun day. After Kids Kamp my friends from Bible study surprised me with flowers, cheesecake, and a gift card for 3 visits to the one and only Barbara Borton for a foot bath detox and reflexology!!! I am in heaven...yay! Thank you for this Barbara. You ROCK! On Friday Mary gave me a gift card to Biggby (AKA Beaners coffee) wow...you ladies really know how to spoil a girl!
Yesterday, I was able to take all my garage sale money and SHOP! I rarely buy myself clothes so I was able to get a lot because it was all on sale and I had a 50.00 off coupon!! It was great.

Well, I need to get the boys their movie started before bed....Night Night!!