On this day a Giraffe was born

33 years ago today, a giraffe was born, aka ME! My nickname given to me from my dad is that I am his giraffe. I guess it's because I'm tall. ;o) My birthday-my post-all about me (ok maybe just the really important stuff)!

Born Christine Michelle on August 30, 1975 in Stuttgart, Germany to Mike & Debe. An Army brat. Lived in Germany until I was two then moved to Colorado.


My 1st birthday - August 1976


Mom, Dad, & me in front of mom's TransAm.


Age 3 or 4

July 1979 My baby sister, Kelly Jean, came along.


Kelly and I


Kelly and I - she always had that smirk for a smile atleast until second grade.


February 2000 My wedding. Thankfully we get better with age. My sister is one of my best friends. We can laugh until our sides hurt and fight as much as sisters are supposed to.


A family photo in Colorado. Mom, Dad, Kelly, and I probably taken 1980-1982? I went to Kindergarten - two weeks of second grade in Colorado. We then moved to Kansas, where I finished school. Our parents divorced in 1987, after 13 years of marriage. My mom remarried in 1989 and we got 2 older step-brothers. My dad remarried in 1992 and we got 2 younger step-sisters. Now I have 17 nieces/nephews!

From 1992-1999, I made a lot of bad decisions as I was searching for what really made me happy. I graduated high school early and moved to Florida to live with my dad. I attended a junior college in Florida. I moved back to KS and completed my Associates Degree at a junior college there. Then moved to Iowa and attended Iowa State University. Then moved back to KS and finally completed my Bachelor's Degree at Kansas State University. I then moved to Las Vegas, NV where I got my first real teaching job. I met some great people; Crystal & "little" Kris, and really got into my career; although it didn't last long. I moved back to KS in 1999 when I met the true love of my life, Chad. What can I say...girl meets boy (online), girl flies to KS to meet boy in person, they fall in love, boy comes to Las Vegas and proposes to girl, boy moves girl back to KS, girl & boy get married in February 2000.


Chad & I - February 2008

Every year on my birthday it's a tradition we do something "big."
August 2000 - we buy a liquor/wine store.
August 2002 - we buy a townhouse.
August 2005 - we buy a house & move in on my 30th birthday. Not recommended!
August 2008 - we buy a winery.

Somewhere in between all of that I had time to complete my Master's Degree at Kansas State University, teach elementary school for 4 years, and give birth to 3 beautiful children.


Colgin Tanner 1 month old (June 2001-August 2001)


Cooper Maya - just born November 2002


Campbell Macy - just born January 2007

So here we are at the end of my story. I'm a stay at home mom; but I also help Chad at the store. I have a great life and look forward to many more years ahead. I wonder what kind of story the next 33 years will create for me.

Book 2 review - On To Book 3!

The Twilight Series books continue to keep me hooked. I've finished Book 2 and I'm onto Book 3. I won't say too much about Book 2, for those of you who haven't finished it yet. I still love Book 1 the best. Book 2 was good, although it took an interesting turn with the introduction of Jacob's character. I can say I felt shocked, devastated, angry, and then elated all in the same book. As much as the book tried to sway you one direction, it came around in the end and finished with a great ending.

So in response to my earlier predictions:
Obviously Bella was NOT dreaming.
Charlie still has no knowledge of what Edward really is.
Jacob & Billy's words of advice were for their own good too.
Rosalie did cause trouble for Bella.
And still what comes next.

Guess I'll have to keep reading to find out.

Grateful for Grandparents

This is the first of three installments on this topic. We are very blessed to have three sets of grandparents for the girls to enjoy. We are lucky they all live close enough to share in important events and make lasting memories with the girls.

First, my dad and stepmom Marie.

Dad & Marie live about 3 1/2 hours away, but they make sure to make it to every birthday party. They have played in every golf tourney for Colgin. They came and watched the girls last September while we went to California. They joined us this past February on our first family ski trip, even if Dad just came along to babysit Campbell.

They have fun with the girls. Whether is playing games, beauty shop, putting on make up, going in the hot tub (at their house), or just making cookies we all have a great time. Usually we spend time just sitting and talking and remembering good times and stories.

This trip out Campbell has really taking a liking to Papa and pulls him around the house to where she wants to play. They also went to Cooper's school and ate lunch with her and picked her up from school.

We enjoy every minute with Dad & Marie and look forward to spending Thanksgiving at their house again this year. Thanks Dad & Marie.



Dad, Marie, Cooper, & Campbell

Daddy is taking care of business!

TCOB = Taking Care of Business!

While mommy is away daddy will...

1. Potty train Campbell
2. Take the "bubby" aka pacifier away from Campbell.

Two weekends ago, I went up to Iowa to help my dad & Marie do some household stuff. Chad stayed home with the girls and felt very ambitious. He stated he would do 2 things, the afore mentioned items. Wasn't he excited when he started accomplishing them even before I left. Campbell went #2 on the potty the night before I left. She was so excited. Since then she's done it 2 more times. He also was able to get her to go without her "bubby" during the day and roadtrips, and only having it during naptime or bedtime. Way to go daddy!


Bye bye potty


Way to go Campbell!

Wrapping Up Summer Part 2

Campbell suddenly loves the water. The pool must have been too cold earlier in the summer. Because now we can't seem to get her out of the water. She even goes under it, sometimes! ;o)


Beth, Jeremy, Jane and us all went to the country club for dinner and swimming afterwards. Beth was brave enough to get into the water and play with the girls. Her love for swimming must come from all those years as a lifeguard. Cooper is still afraid of the water, but she tries when she wants to. Campbell was ready to jump in next.


Cooper at school, the first day. Mrs. F. is her teacher and she is great. Parents were asked to attend for the first 2 hours and check things out. We got to observe calendar time/music/pe and storytime. It was fun to see the kids having a great first day.


Cooper in PE class, the first day. She loves her PE teacher.

Wrapping Up Summer

There were a few things I hadn't posted on from our summer activities. So here they go.

Riley County Fair July 2008


Cooper riding the pony.


Campbell riding the pony.


Campbell, Cooper, & Daddy on the Carosel.


Cooper & Campbell love to hang out in mom & Dad's bed.

Lots of Hair

I am the gushing Auntie who can't stop talking about her new nephew. So one final post. He has tons of dark hair. He is so cute. August 22, 2008.

A New Cousin To Love - and Boy Do They Love Him

The pictures say it all. The girls "love" Baby Ryland. He gets more cute every time we look at him. He is just so perfect. Campbell kept saying "baby, baby", then when Ryland started to cry, she was making crying noises just like him. Then she found his "bubby" aka pacifier and she wanted to give it to him. We have to work on being gentle. ;o)

Bailey was certainly excited to see her new brother. They have all waited so long for this moment (almost 7 years), but it was WELL worth the wait. Welcome to the family, Ryland Tate.




Cooper and Baby Ryland




Campbell and Baby Ryland

The Arrival Of Ryland Tate

Today my nephew was born! I am so excited & overjoyed. He is a very big boy! He weighed in at 9lbs 3 oz and was 21" long! He has lots of dark hair and looks a lot like is big sister did when she was a baby.

Kelly & Pat went in this morning for her scheduled (rescheduled now) c-section. Ryland is just 1 week early, can you imagine if he waited another week how big he would be. I surprised my sister by being brave enough to go in the operating room with her and Pat. She did really well, and I can't even imagine how much of a big sissy I would be in a c-section. Thank goodness none of my 3 kids had to be born that way. Kelly's OB dr. is my OB and he is a great DR. and all the people were very nice and she's being well taken care of.

Our parents are here and our grandparents are bringing Bailey up to see her brother after she gets out of school today. I know she is so excited to finally meet him .

Our family is overjoyed at the opportunity to spoil a little boy and I know Colgin is watching from Heaven and sending lots of hugs & kisses to his cousin.

Cooper begins Kindergarten

Let's take a walk down memory lane. Cooper's babysitter at the time, Ms. Dena, took Cooper & "little" Chad to a program called Morning Out for Parents - which was 1 day a week for a couple of hours in the morning.



This is Cooper in 2005 on her first day of MOP.

Then Ms. Dena took Cooper and "little" Chad to Preschool - 2 days a week in the mornings.



This is Cooper in 2006 on her first day of 2 day Preschool.

Then mommy had Campbell and decided to stay home, so I took Cooper to everyday, afternoon Preschool.



This is Cooper in 2007 on her first day of everyday-afternoon Preschool.

Now here we are today. Kindergarten is here. My little baby girl has joined the ranks of all day - everyday Kindergarten.



Here is Cooper. August 13, 2008 on her first day of Kindergarten.

We went to the school open house on August 12th to find out who her teacher was and what class she was in. She was excited to get Mrs. F as her teacher and she knows 5 other students in that class already. She is very happy. On the first day of school the parents were asked to attend for 2 hours. We got to see calendar time, music, PE, and story time. It was a good first day for everyone, and the first day was only a half day. So the second day was good as well. Cooper was tired when we picked her up, since it was all day. She really likes her PE teacher and I think she is ready to be Miss Independant. She already wants us to drop her at the door and she'd really prefer to ride the bus. Oh well, I guess I can only hold on for a little while longer.

Keep Reading

I started Book 2 yesterday and I couldn't put it down. Surprised, no not really. But I have to be careful with my posts as I now have Jura hooked on the books, she is on Book 1 and I can't give anymore away than I already have, atleast until she catches up with me.

So that being said, oh my gosh! Book 2 I can't believe what has happened. I'm already on page 150 something and I am just in shock! Keep watching.

Just Couldn't Wait

My loving husband just knew I couldn't wait until my birthday so he surprised me with a new Twilight Series book. He likes to do nice things for people, especially when he is having a bad day and yesterday was a very bad day for him. So when he came home with a bag from Target, I knew something was up. Although to upset him more, he had bought Book 3 instead and I had already gone to Target and purchased the other item he thought we needed for home. So after dinner & some time at the pool, he went back to Target and purchased Book 2. So I'm set for awhile! I can't wait to start reading. Thanks Chad!

On to Book 2 - & Loving it!

I have finished Twilight. I couldn't put it down on Saturday, as it rained all day here, it was the perfect weather to cuddle up and read. I was just at the part of the baseball game and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. Then at the end to find out the author put the 1st chapter from book 2 back there, just to keep you interested. Smart move!

Kris- I couldn't find your old post on the book. So here are my thoughts.

Crystal- I hope you haven't stopped reading, despite the constant comments on Edward's beauty.

Jura- So glad you're hooked now too!

I think the description of Edward is 1. to prove why he is so addictive to Bella & 2. it keeps us from thinking about what he is. Bella is very mature for her age, to cook for her dad each night, do the shopping, have a vehicle, save her money, and continue to do well in school is probably what attracks Edward to her, in that she is "not" like every other girl. I'm glad the story unfolds a bit before we find out the truth. I just have to smile as I read the chapters where Edward & Bella are alone together, it's just so intriguing and so clever the way Edward handles Bella and she is so accepting of him and his ways. I loved the ending of Book 1, the Prom "oh so classic." I think Edward is considerate and kind and so watchful of Bella. I think his promises are sincere and despite who he is, I think he really loves Bella.

So for those of you ahead of me, take my predictions for what they are.

I'm thinking after chapter 1 of Book 2, it's merely a dream. I know what Bella's wish is and I know how much Edward doesn't want that. I'm interested in seeing what develops of Charlie's knowledge of just "who" Edward and his family is. Come on, can he really be Chief of Police and not know any of this. I am also interested to see what happens w/ Jacob & Billy's "words of advice" for Bella. At this point in time, if Charlie just lets Bella run off back home to Phoenix, why wouldn't he just let her runaway w/ Edward and live happily ever after??? I like all of Edward's family, but I'm guessing that Rosalie is going to do something to Bella. And mostly, if this is her senior year now, what comes next?? Do vampires really fall in love and get married and have babies??? LOL!!!

So my only dilemma is that I asked for books 2-4 for my birthday and that's still 19 days away! Oh what to do. I get so consumed with a good book, which is totally NOT me; that it throws everything off. Chad wonders what's wrong with me. ;o)

Anyhow, I can't wait for the movie to come out in December! Yes, I'm a groupie for sure.

Joining the Ranks

Well I must admit I have joined the ranks of all the other Twilight Series fans. I am currently reading Twilight, and already I'm hooked. I haven't even finished yet, but I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next and I can't seem to put the book down. Now for those of you who know me, I'm a very thorough reader, which tends to make me a slow reader, because I take everything in. To add to my excitement, I watched the preview of the movie trailer which is scheduled to release in December and the actor playing "Edward" is an actor who played a role in the Harry Potter films, so now I can put a face with a name.

So a big Thank You goes out to Crystal and Kris for writing about the Twilight series books on your blog. I've haven't gone back and reread what you posted, but all the talk intrigued me and I had to find out what I was missing.

For not being a "reader" the books are easy to read and definitely keep me interested.

Catching Up

I must apologize for not posting sooner. No other excuse; just busy. So that being said I need to give a shout out to my other bloggers of whose blogs I read daily and they are much better at posting than I have been. ;o)

Way to go! - Jura, Emma, Kris, London, Jen, Crystal, Heidi, & Stacy. Thanks for keeping me updated on what's going on in your lives. All your blogs are fun to read and keep me inspired, even if I don't comment.

We are about 98% done getting the house fixed up from the damage caused by the tornado. We have one window left to be replaced (which is supposed to happen on Monday) and some repair in the garage ceiling to work on. It's starting to feel normal again.

Cooper begins Kindergarten in just 7 days! I can't believe it.

We are almost done revitalizing Nespor's. The new computer system is working wonderfully and we were able to do inventory in just 8 hrs, compared to 15 or more. We had a super busy July and now with students returning, we are gearing up for another football season and fall semester.

My sister is due in just 16 days with a bouncing baby boy. Ryland Tate will be his name and we are all very excited to meet him. I spent this past weekend helping her get the house cleaned up, organized and ready.

Cooper and I ventured to Kansas City a few weekends ago and shopped till we dropped. She is set on school clothes and is just so anxious to wear them all.

Campbell has found a love for the swimming pool. She is so funny, her personality is really starting to shine through. She brings a smile to our face each day.

As if that wasn't enough, I must throw out there, that in just 24 days I'll turn another year older. Ugh!