She's Sombodies Hero

I know that sometimes Motherhood is a thankless job. Mothers get up early, get their kids up and run like crazy people all day trying to get their kids from one place to the next. Constantly thinking about what they will make their family for dinner that night. Then it's time for baths, brushing teeth, a bedtime story or a song and then everyone is off to sleep. The Mothers job still isn't done as she prepares herself for the following days activities. Finally it is time for Mom to go to bed to get a full 6-8 hours of sleep; providing no one is up during the middle of the night due to a bad dream or illness. The next morning the Mother starts all over again.
My Mom, Kathy, did all of that and worked at the same time. When I look back on it, I don't know how she did it for all four of us. So today I would like to take this opportunity to say, "THANK YOU!" I know that I wasn't an "easy" child to raise but, you did it. I foolishly thought that when I moved out your job was over. Yet, I have learned my most valuable lessons from you once I became a Mother. I heard Dr. Phil say the other day, "A Mother never gives up on their child; no matter how bad it gets." When I heard that all I could think about was you and the example you are to me. You are a Mother to more than just Ian, Alan, Holly and myself; you are a Mother to the kids at your school. You are able to see the good in them; even when you really have to look hard, you find it. I realize all the sacrifices you made while we grew up. You always dreamed of going to college but, you put that dream aside to raise us. You helped me realize that it is never to late to go back to school. You showed me that it is okay to just be Jamie. People don't always need to think of me as Jason's wife or Joey and Jacob's mom; as long as I don't forget that I do hold both of those titles. Thank you Mom for helping me be a strong woman and for all the advice along this path called Motherhood. You are my Hero!!!!!
Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!!

Spotlighting Lauryn

Lauryn is my brother Alan and Kristen's first child.
She is 5 years old.
Her favorite colors are Pink and Brown.
Her favorite song is Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.
Lauryn isn't sure what she wants to be when she grows up.
Her favorite foods are hamburgers and corn.
She says that she doesn't have a least favorite food because she likes a bunch of different things.
Lauryn's favorite activity is making crafts.
Her favorite toy is her For Real Kitty that Grandma bought her for her birthday.
She likes to drive around in the car with her Mom.
She likes to stay home with her Dad.
She likes to play with her little sisters, Madalyn and Kamryn.
Something that make Lauryn happy is when her sisters are nice to her.

I love to watch Lauryn smile her eyes light up and you can see how full of life she is. She let's her light shine through her actions and words. She has a huge vocabulary and can use it correctly. She is full of questions and is always willing to comfort someone who needs it. She sees the good in people and in the situations that happen in life. Her little laugh is contagious. Oh yea this girl can dance. She loves music and its like she can't help herself when she hears it she has to sing and move her body. She also has a very good imagination. When we are in Utah we always get an after dinner show from her, Hannah and Haley. This girl is defiantly a girly girl. She loves to wear dresses. One thing I love to see is when see catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she smiles and fixes her hair, I love that she is happy with who she is. After all she is perfect in every way.

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Happy Birthday Dad!! It has only been a little more than a month since you left this earth but, it feels like forever. Thank you Dad for always believing in me; even when I didn't believe in myself. You have always been my biggest cheerleader, coach, friend and hero. I often pick up the phone to tell you something funny Joseph and Jacob have said or to ask your advice; only to realize that I can't. Although, I do call the house, a lot, just to hear your voice on the message. I do find solace in the fact that you are no longer suffering. Carter also reminded me that you are not alone; Olivia is with you and now that you are in heaven she won't be alone any longer. I KNOW that you will forever be with me in my heart!! I feel you with me everyday especially when I see a beautiful sunrise or sunset or watch my boys smile and laugh. Last night I watched the lightening dance across the sky and remembered all the times we would watch in awe together. I felt peaceful like you were sitting next to me. Everytime I have felt all alone I hear a song that reminds me of you. I take the words to songs and change them to make myself feel better like in the song Rosanna I say "Oh Jamie," cause I remember you singing it to me that way. I know it's stale but, it makes me feel closer to you. Today I heard this song and felt like you were telling me everything was going to be okay. It will be okay in time but, for now the silly little things are getting us all through this.

I Believe
Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again
And its like you haven't been gone a moment from my side
Like the tears were never cried
Like the hands of time are holding you and me
And with all my heart I'm sure were closer than we ever were
I don't have to hear or see, Ive got all the proof I need
There are more than angels watching over me
I believe, I believe

That when you die your life goes on
It doesn't end here when you re gone
Every soul is filled with light
It never ends and if I'm right
Our love can even reach across eternity
I believe, I believe

Forever, you're a part of me
Forever, in the heart of me
And I'll hold you even longer if I can
The people who don't see the most
Say that I believe in ghosts
And if that makes me crazy, then I am
cause I believe

There are more than angels watching over me
I believe, I believe
Every now and then soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you come back again I believe

I LOVE YOU DAD!!!

Whale Watching!!

My whole life I have wanted to see whales in the wild. This year Jason bought us a three hour tour of whale watching. It was so rough once we left Avila Bay that Joey stood at the front of the boat sopping wet and holding Ashley's hand nearly the entire time. We did see Risso whales but, no California Grey Whales. Oh well maybe next time. While we were there I realized only one year until I graduate and we can actually think about moving to the beach YEAH!!! I can't wait. I hope that I didn't bore you all with too many pictures and stories but WE HAD A BLAST!!!

New Years 2009!!!

Our friends Randy, Kim, Ashley, Shane, Gracie and Dizzy came down to Pismo (actually we stay in Oceano Dunes, CA.)on New Years Eve. We had the best time. I realize that some o the shadow pictures are dark on this slideshow. But, when I print them they are outstanding!!! I am blowing up the shadow picture of the boys I LOVE IT!!!! They were doing my favorite past time sand dollar hunting!!! We had the best time and are so happy they came down to end 2008 and bring in 2009 with us!!

My 33rd Birthday!!

This will be one of my most memorable birthdays ever!! We went to Pismo and saw the most amazing thing; the Monarch Butterflies during their migration. You have to look close in some of these pictures. While we were there I said, "They almost look placed in the trees. They look so perfect!" Trust me they aren't glued in spot. In fact, you have to walk slowly because they are every where and you can't step on, touch, or pick them up (not even the dead ones). The birds don't eat them because they eat milkweed which is toxic to the birds (smart little fella's). This was so beautiful and spectacular. After we went to my most favorite place to eat the Splash Cafe. They have the best clam chowder, steamed oysters, fish and chips and every kind of seafood you can imagine. That's why the line is always out the door, around the corner and down the block. Pismo is known for their famous clams so it wouldn't be complete without the chowder. I love it here!!!!

Six Quirkey Things About Me!!!

#1 I cannot stand when people eat loudly around me. If it is Jason I can say something. But, the other day I was in class taking a test and a friend was crunching on chips. If the crunch from the chips wasn't bad enough I could hear her teeth hitting together. I wanted to run screaming from the room. I know this sounds stupid but listen to the sounds people make when they eat.

#2 I love beets, avocados and boiled eggs. I try and have all of them at least once a day if not more. Also I am the BIGGEST Blue Cheese fan; the stinkier the better!!

#3 I constantly search my hair for split ends. I have tons of split ends and a ton of hair so I don't know why I even look!

#4 Like my sister I have a problem with snot of any kind. I also can't hear about re-feeding, rumination or anything to do with throwing up and swallowing it again. GROSS!!!

#5 I am the worse passenger ever!! If you are driving and make me nervous at all I will pull a Fred Flintstone and put my feet through the floor. Even when I'm not in the car with people I tell them how to drive (I think they call it road rage?!)

#6 I love the color purple and yellow. But did anyone know that brown is one of my favorite colors? I was watching I-Carley with the kids and they said it best. "How could you not love brown? It's the color of gravy." I love brown gravy with everything!! Especially over fried Spam, white rice and a fried egg (all piled high on each other. It's a poor surfers breakfast in Hawaii) and I love it with French fries.

Say Thank You To Our Troops

Hi all!! This is a quick way for you to say, "Thank You," to our troops. My kids loved adding their own messages. Let's help these soldiers know that we haven't forgotten their sacrifices for our freedoms.

Thankgiving 2008

For Thanksgiving this year we went with my In-Laws, Bob & Elaine, to their condo in Incline Village, North Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Jason and I made dinner. It was great except the mashed potatoes were lumpy and there were none of my Dad's rolls, bummer!!
On Black Friday we all drove into Reno and went to Cabella's. It is a sportsman's shop. Joseph and Jacob, not to mention Bob and Jason, were all excited because they were able to see every kind of animal and most fish, even though they were dead and stuffed (some fish were live in a aquarium), up close and personal. We are now calling Jacob 'Ole Dead Eye' after he blew away all of us, and the competition, in the two shooting galleries they have. After that we went to Sports Clips. For those of you who don't know what Sports Clips is, it is a Men's ONLY hair cutting establishment. All of the guys got a haircut, scalp & facial massage, hot towel on the face, neck and back massage, and finally they did their hair. For the boys it was $13.00 for the men it was $16.00. You can't beat that price!! It was unfair to Elaine and I who sat in envy of the boys LOL.
On Saturday night we went to a Christmas Jazz Concert at the Hiatt Hotel. It was wonderful. Jacob danced for two hours until he passed out (fell asleep), and Joseph did as his mother does best, CHAIR DANCED!!! They both kept saying, "This is for Max Mom!" Max loved to dance. And I told the boys that when Max went to heaven that he was dancing the Jig with his wife, Gladys. So in their mind it was their way of saying, "Good-bye," to Max whom they loved so much. We just wanted to say THANK YOU to Bob and Elaine for one of the best Thanksgivings we have ever had!!! We hope that you all had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!!!

A New Addition

Joseph and Jacob wanted everyone to meet our new family member Squirt. He is a Red-Eared Slider Turtle. Right now he is the size of a 50 cent piece but, he will grow to be 6-12 inches long. His life span is 20-50 years (hopefully one of the boys will take him when they move out LOL). You may be asking, "Why would you get a turtle as a pet? You can't even play with it!" But if you know me, you would know that I love turtles and tortoises. So I will leave you with a few words of wisdom "Relax and Go with the Flow of the Tide Dude!" --Crush, from 'Finding Nemo '

The Three Little Pigs

Last night Jacob read his very first book ever. All by himself, Hurray!!!! Don't get me wrong he has read the 1 page, folded in half, sight word books the teacher sends home. I was walking down the hall and heard him talking. I asked him what he was doing, he looked at me like I was blind and said, "I'm reading this book." I thought he was pretending so I sat next to him and said read to me and he did. He read The Three Little Pigs by Paul Galdone. I was amazed it is 28 pages and he only needed help with sow (mother pig) and know (that silent k is tricky). It was so cute he made a scary, deep, raspy voice for the wolf. This is the classic story where the wolf eats the first two pigs. Then the third pig eats the wolf. Needless to say I was not happy with the story line but, I couldn't stop him he was so proud of himself. I am so proud of him. Yet, I feel a little sad that my baby is growing up.

Veterans Day!!

As most of you know November 11th is Veterans Day!! But, what is veterans day? Is it just a day we don't have to go to work or school? Just another day to sleep in?
Veterans Day is an American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is celebrated on the same day as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)
Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.
With more and more of our veterans of wars past passing away. I encourage you all to thank those who so proudly and honorably served this great nation. Also thank those soldier who are fighting in this war. One person I would like to thank is my brother Ian. He is doing his second tour in Iraq. He and the many other soldiers who are serving in the military are keeping our freedoms (even your freedom to disagree with the war) safe. We love him. Joseph and Jacob look up to him and tell everyone how proud they are of their "Uncle Ian."
I would also like to tell Tausha, Carter, Brodi and Trevan thank you. With out the support of family I don't think any service member would be able to make it through a tour, let alone two. We love you all and think about you often. In some way you are all Veterans too!!

Max

All of you who know me have known that I have taken care of Max for almost five years; until he encouraged me to go back to school to become a Nurse. I make calls and visit him often since I have been in the Nursing Program. I was with Max this morning when he took his final breathes and had his hand taken by loved ones who have passed on to guide him home. In a way I feel that Max gave me a gift of keeping my word. I have told him, everytime he was told he wouldn't make it, that when the time came I would be with him and tell him it was okay to go. I feel that he held on long enough for me to get there and say "I love you. It's okay to go."

I feel blessed to have known him and to have the unbreakable bond we had. Although, he didn't have children I felt that I was one of his children; I grew in his heart. This will be a tough time for my children who loved him from the start. I know that you hear it often but, don't take one day for granted. Tell the people who mean so much to you that you love them.

I love you all!!!!

Crazy Daisy and Kenai Our Grumpy Old Man

I have talked about our dogs and have posted at least one picture of Kenai. But, I didn't have any of Daisy. Kenai is a Schnauzer. Daisy is a Schnoodle (Schnauzer and Poodle mix). They compliment each other well. Daisy is only 5 months old so shes very, very playful. Kenai is 5 years old so he is more relaxed. The best part about the two of them is that Kenai taught Daisy to go to the back door and scratch so she can go outside when she has to go potty.

Halloween Parade for School

Jacob was a Storm Trooper. Joey was a Sumo Wrestler. Their School is the only one in the district to still do a Halloween parade. The kids get to march through the shopping center, next to the school, and collect candy from the businesses there. That's why Jacob isn't wearing his mask; he needed it to collect candy.

Joseph's 9th Birthday

I know that these pictures were taken on Labor Day weekend but, it's better late than never. It's remarkable that the giant slide, pool, swing set, and about 40 people all fit in the back yard. The water slide was sooooooo much fun!!!! Even the adults took their turns. At the bottom of the slide is an area that collects the water. The kids made a splash but the adults appeared to make a tsunami.

Getting Wet with the Cousins in Utah

Pismo California Best Vacation Spot Ever!!!

Joseph and Jacob

Joseph at the airport


Jacob at the airport



Playing with their favorite toys

Crazy Life

Hello everyone!!! Sorry it has been so long since the last post but life has been crazy. I just finished Nursing 4 and have entered the CRAZY world of Mental Health Nursing. I have always thought that it wasn't the medicated people I needed to be afraid of; just the un-medicated people. Boy was I wrong!!!! This rotation has been an eye-opener for me so far. It's sad to learn how the world treats people with mental illness. I have realized that even I have preconceived notions of this unfortunate group. So I figure that this is only going to make me stronger as a nurse.

The boys are growing up so fast!!! It just seems like yesterday we brought Joseph home from the hospital. Now, my science guru, is a wealth of knowledge. He hears me reading out loud and remembers everything and most of the time understands what I am talking about. Sometimes I wish the I could put him in my bag for a test. He loves to use big words (you the kind mom has to look up). The weird part is he almost always uses them correctly. He looks forward to orchestra, PE, social studies and science. But, he hates spelling tests and eating school lunch. He wants to be a Forensic Anthropologist and Veterinarian when he grows up. His role models are his mom and dad.

Jacob is a fun loving, free spirit. He loves to talk and learn from other people. Not to mention that he is never afraid to try new stunts. Thank goodness for health insurance with this one. He keeps us on our toes and has a great sense of humor. He loves the first grade and the girls love him. His new thing is that he doesn't like, like any girls but his mama. He even told me he was going to marry me when he grows up. I told him that it is illegal in every state. Now he says he, his wife, kids, and animals will live with us forever. Lets hope that is not true. He wants to be a Swat Team Member/Policeman/Soldier/Daddy all together when he grows up. His role models are his dad and his uncle Ian.

I'll try and post more often. Love you all.

The blogging world

This is the first entry of The Rudloff Family Blogging Adventure. It will be a learning experience, but full of fantastic family information. As busy as the Rudloff family is, we find it hard to always keep in touch with everyone. This blog site will be your link to our active lives. We will try to keep it fresh and funny, with several photo updates. Please leave comments and let us know that you are enjoying our chaos.