SECOND SHIFT WIFE

Sullivan's cupcake party!

2009-02-13T16:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated Sulls! Why you ask? Well, because he has been sleeping through the night for four days now! He hasn't called for me, crawled into bed w/ me, or wanted me to sleep w/ him in four whole days!!! GLORIOUS! I woke up on Tuesday and realized that he wasn't in bed w/ me. So of course I was worried at first, went to check on him and realized that he was fine alone in his own big boy bed. We had to celebrate because I have had interrupted sleep for almost four years because of this boy. I have been waking up crabby for far too long. Now if I'm cranky it will have nothing to do w/ lack of sleep right? lol! We decided to give him a cupcake party, that is his special treat. So Jac took him to the store and he got to pick out the flavor and frosting. He was excited about that alone. Then I came home from work w/ balloons, party favors and hats and we sang, "Good job Sulls" to him. I let him pour the batter into the cups and didn't freak out when it went every where except the baking cup. (good job mumma). Nor did I freak out when I had to clean up the chairs and the rug (again good job mumma). Just this little gesture sent him to the moon, he was so happy and knew that we were proud of him. The little things truly make a difference to our little ones. Thank you to Kristi and Tracey for showing me this valuable life lesson! Cheers to sleep!

Mrs. Mitchell's Valentine's party!

2009-02-13T15:04:00.000-08:00

On Wed. I had the privilege of going to G.'s classroom. I got to see the life of a KD including music class and gym class. I loved every minute of it. Typically, I would stay in the classroom and help the teacher get things ready while the students are gone, but this time G. asked me to go with her and I wanted to so I didn't help and frankly didn't feel bad about. I was there w/ G. and that's all that mattered. During music class I actually got a little teary eyed watching her sing and just play w/ her friends. How big she is and I wondered where the time went. She loves school and it shows. Mrs. Mitchell pulled me aside and said that she thoroughly enjoys G. in her class, which of course as a parent makes my heart melt. Can I be doing it right? This parenting thing? I question and struggle with every decision and pray for the best. Oh, how I love her so! A fellow mom helped with quesadillas which were so yummy, I had three! I forgot to get valentine's, but it turned out good as G. thought it would be nice to make them homemade. We read a book about homemade valentine's and that's where she got the idea from. I decorated 30 and she wrote on them and signed her name to every one. It took FOREVER, but it was worth it. They turned out great and from now on we will make them homemade, just to be different. Next year I plan on doing it in increments as a special art project. What a fun day!

Review

2009-02-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is just odds and ends of the last week. Jac was bored with the kiddies on Sat. while I worked so he took them to our new favorite place... Spring Break in B. Run. Love that place, well worth the $$$. My hubby is extremely tired of not getting real food ever so he decided to unthaw the turkey and have turkey dinner with all the fixings, super yummy, I think we had leftovers for four days, well worth his efforts. He is such a great cook. Like Tracey said, why would I want to learn to cook when I have him to cook and me to clean up the mess. I think we've got a good set up. I think if he knew that I was the only Italian in the world that didn't cook I think he would have considered not marrying me lol! I'm serious. One of his "Love Lang." is definitely food in the belly. Sunday G. and I met Tracey in Clio to listen to HGTV"s "Design on a dime" host Kelly Edwards speak about design tips. Tracey seriously could've taught the class. Didn't learn a whole lot, but it was still cool to get a pic. w/ Kelly & her autograph. She was super sweet and funny. The last pic is of us dancing in the kitchen listening to H. M. Something we do often!

39!

2009-02-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

Last Wed. I turned 39. Not so bad actually. Along with becoming older, I've grown to not really mind letting people see the real me; personally or how I look without being made up. The pic of me and my sweets, all of us barely awake w/ sleepy eyes and bed hair proves that. I had a great start to my special day at Bunko where my good friends Kim and Michelle got me a cake shaped like a die (for Bunko if you're not familiar) super yummy raspberry! Loved it, ate it while I watch the biggest loser episode last week lol! So much for exercise. They also blessed me w/ 3 pic of my family for my bracelet. She lifted the pics off my blog and sent them to Oregon! Kim is amazingly smart, both are very generous. Thanks! Jac knew I'd ran out of coffee three days before so he quietly crawled out of bed at 6am and ran to the store to get some for me. I never spend $ on flavored creamers for myself so he got me some of that too. Which rocks! I love the simple things don't I? I just love coffee and he knows that, I love that he knows that about me too. I had been talking about listening to G.'s Hannah Montana cd's when were in the kitchen, but our cd player has been broken for years so he got me an under mount cd player. We love it. In this day and age of tech. this seems outdated even to me, but I don't feel it important to have music on my TV, Ipod/dock, satellite or whatever else is out there right now. For $20 bucks this works just fine! I love my new necklace (one of three) I've been wearing it like crazy and I feel it goes w/ everything. Along with getting older I have to cover my grey more freq..but it gets expensive so I have to box it every so often. I sent Jac w/ a coupon to Rite Aid and he picked the color he liked lol! Although I'm already itching to get to the salon for some high lights. I need some dimension. My neighbor and awesome friend Kristi brought over yummy cupcakes, that was a surprise too. Kim babysat so that Jac and I could go to the movies. Grand Tarino, in my opinion great movie! We went to Applebees for dinner and had a great dinner! Thanks to all! This year I'd like to clear out some clutter, take a cake decorating class, be a better wife, mumma and friend. I'm expecting you all to hold me accountable! I feel very blessed!

2009-02-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

Japanese Anyone???

2009-02-04T06:33:00.000-08:00

On Friday my friend Nik.D. invited us out to Saganos. I am very glad I went. I want to add that it was made possible because I had free childcare; her husband Aaron babysat for me so I could go. Thank you very much Aaron!!!! I had a riot with her knitting group. The are all very nice. The food was different from what I would typically order, but I went out on a limb and order something that I thought Jac would like too. The sushi was great and the other stuff I had, however I can't pronounce it or spell what I ate lol! Something different is always a good thing right? The company was great and it was fun.

Being good!

2009-02-04T05:59:00.000-08:00

We were invited to come along with our friends' to Chuck E. Cheese for a play date because Jacob had gotten a good report from school. Of course the kids' always love to go here and have fun and this day was no exception. The pizza is very tasty there and papa kept them pumped with tokens. Now with that comes the situation that I'm personally struggling with; That by being good they are going to be rewarded in some huge way for doing something that they should already do just because it is the right thing to do. G. Came home with this report and ask, 'What are we going to do?" because her report was outstanding. I said that I wasn't sure because I'm not. I've always given to my kids' for being good, but when do ya stop, when does it get too out of hand? Not saying that going to Chuck's is over the top. It certainly isn't, but our kids' are still little and pretty inexpensive. When they get older is what I'm worried about. Am I over reacting? Should I just say a job well done or do I get all dramatic about good grades? I'm merely asking as a parent because I really don't know, this is not meant to be offensive in any way, So please comment your thoughts.

2009-02-03T18:06:00.000-08:00

Can you imagine being 92?

2009-02-03T17:25:00.000-08:00

My papa is the sweetest papa in the world. My grandparents have been married for 67 years. I love the picture of them holding hands, that melts my heart! Two cakes and still not enough candles lol! We love you!!!

Can you tell what I do for a living?

2009-02-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

As I get older I let alot of things go that would typically not happen in my house. When I was younger and even after having kids' I ALWAYS kept up on my house hold chores. I think I have a disorder because my mind won't function unless my house is in order. I hope that makes sense, to me it does and that's all that matters right now! So I am putting myself out there and letting all of my friends see that I'm not this perfect house cleaner that you think I am. Just kidding, I really am, I just had a bad week. I had to take a picture because really my house never looks like this. Jamie was so irritated because after 12 years he is very used to neat and order. So when it looks like this we argue. It's like the ora in our space is tarnished. It's more hectic and harried to find things and frankly I can't handle living this way. I can only stand it for maybe a couple days and then I'm up cleaning. As you parents' can attest it only takes 2 seconds for it to look this way w/ children, but hours to get it back to order. What do you think? Can you stand that I am a house cleaner and my house looked this way lol!!! I know very brave of me. Can you believe that people actually pay me to clean their homes? I know that my Thursday client is reading this and laughing right now, Hi J. Oh well, I'm over it! Don't judge me Lol! I just noticed a beer bottle in the sink and a can of redi whip on the counter Hhhmm. yeah, really don't judge!

This is for Sarah

2009-01-29T21:29:00.000-08:00

My friend Sarah commented on her blog about this facebook questionnaire that's going around. I know sorta what she's talking about, although I am not an avid facebooker. I'm really not interested in it like a lot of my friends are. But I am interested in some facts about some of my friends I've read and it got me thinking about myself. So here it goes:

1. I don't like to cook, but need to learn for my families sake.
2. I would love to be able to knit a blanket or sew something (anything!)
3. My mother passed away when I was 5 months old, hence the reason I don't know anything about 1 & 2. (I could've learned myself but didn't have the drive to.)
4. On vacation I love to do nothing!
5. In May I am supposed to start Dental Hygiene clinical. A quest I have worked hard for for 8 years, but have decided I don't want to do that now.
6. Am still waiting for a sign to drop from the sky to tell me why I'm here.
7. Really sad that my kids' grandparents are gone 8 months out of the year.
8. Would really do anything for a friend.
9. LOVE TO CLEAN!
10. Love Coffee, tried to give it up, but decided against it.
11. My favorite colors are yellow, green, brown
12. My husband is too good to me and for me.
13. He still makes my coffee every morning, scraps the snow off my van and warms it up after 12 years, very grateful!
14. I have tons of grey hair and am 15 pounds over what I am comfortable with.
15. I am too outspoken at times and that has gotten me in trouble, oh well.
16. My daughter and son are the sun and the stars in my eyes.
17. My dad has been married 5 times, therefore my childhood kinda stunk.
18. I quit school in the 10th grade, but went back and graduated. real diploma, not GED.
19. I love to read!
20. I love watching HGTV, but my home doesn't reflect that.
21. Would love to take a cake decorating class with my hubby, he volunteered us a couple years ago, but we have a schedule conflict.
22. Can not wait until my kitchen gets remodeled.
23. Love to Camp and the simple things in life, don't feel I have too bad.
24. Love going to Cracker Barrel for breakfast.
25. Am hoping that 2009 will be the year I find out who I am.

Celebrating MLK

2009-01-23T11:37:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure that if MLK was still around he would've love to celebrate his special day at the bounce house in Birch Run!! We had a great time!!! We were the only ones in the whole place and the kids' ran ragged. Jac and I got to play too, but only because the worker was tired at this point and because no one else was around. Jac and I felt like we got some good exercise and the kids were tired from all that bouncing, sliding and jumping around. It was a clean awesome place that we will for sure go back to. They have 5 huge bounce houses and cute patio sets for the adults to lounge on. They offer birthday packages so that's most likely what we'll be doing this year for them both. Check out their website @: www.springbreakinc.net for more info. Super super fun place!!!!!

The joys of Easy Baking

2009-01-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

We got Grace an easy bake oven for christmas two years ago, but never gave it to her until this year. The age on it says 8, but both of my kids' love to bake and I feel that Jac will be helping them anyways so I got her a super cute apron and off they went. When I got home from cleaning the other day she gave me a picture that read ( in her sweet learning to write handwriting) : "Mumma thank you for working hard for our family". and with it I got a yummy cookie that she baked. I love that my husband did that for me through them. My kids' ROCK!

Childrens' Museum

2009-01-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

Last week we went to the museum for their $$ days, which is such a great deal if your kids' like that sort of thing and we, as parents' can handle the chaos. My kids love the place, they let there imagination run crazy and I think it is so great to see them play. The museum holds $$ days once a month so make sure and check out their website for the day. On this particular day it was so quiet, not alot of kids. So Melissa, Carmen, Nik D., and I got to have some adult conversation while the kiddies were playing which is always nice. We got to see a volcano erupted and we learned why we burp lol! My sweets won a drawing and got a toy, so of course they loved that. We can't wait to go next month. The $3 is well worth.

Here's why I'm not enjoying my basement.

2009-01-19T07:38:00.000-08:00

As I sit at my desk I am surrounded by messes, little piles that need my attention. However, I am easily distracted and feel I may need to be medicated to stay on task. I get up to get a cup of coffee and start looking for my calendar, then off to pick up the living room, go to the bathroom and start cleaning it, only to wonder why I got up from the computer in the first place and where is my coffee cup??? Holy Crapper I am old and forgetful. We have been blessed to have been able to spend time w/ many friends and activities going on and happy that Jac has been able to be a part of the fun as he's been laid off an extra week. But all the fun means no basement remoldel!!!! Ugh, that truley makes me mad and sad! We can't say we are lazy, but it feels that way so I went searching for my calendar (Still can't find it!) to see why the basement didn't get done the whole time Jac has been off, some three weeks. The beginning of the month after all the holiday stuff is over Game night and brunch took place, 10 cleaning jobs (FOUND THE CALENDAR, found my head life is good now!!) 3 birthday parties, 4 playdates, McDonalds playdate, 3 babysitting afternoons, museum day, 2 game nights, book club, bunko, coffee & story hour, Daisy meeting, 2 bowling nights, funeral, cleaning the garage and building storage in the garage, (can finally park in there big bonus!) 4 dinners Compliments of T.H.D.B's (thanks), kids' DDS appt, (no cavities yeah!!). Good Heavens the end of the month: 2 bowling, 1 daisy meeting (turned in cookie order), Papa's 92 birthday, Murder Mystery (can't wait for that), Baby shower. Looking at my calendar it looks like I was home and doing nothing on Tues 6th and Mon. the 12th. The day that Thuma's went to Trader Joes and Ikea and forgot about us!!! All of this equals= NO BASEMENT!!!! I have to say that it was worth it all. We had a great time with all of you. However, Feb. looks very boring and laid back. I'm going to be hibernating. See you in March............

Happy Birthday Big Brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

Today my brother Scott is 41yrs young!

This blog is written to you.

I pulled out your baby book out of a chaotic mess of pictures dad had from our childhood and unfortunately the pictures haven't faired well, but your baby book tells a story. Not to be specific for personal reasons, but the hand writing in this book is precious because it is one of the last links to our mom. I love looking at the words, how they are written and reading what was on her mind at the time. She made sure to tape your umbilical cord to the page as as well the baby bracelets like we all do. She took the time to write down all of your firsts and what you like to eat and when. There is no doubt these recordings were written out of love for you. The cute picture of you bathing in the kitchen sink, your first birthday cake, the family pet, pictures of our BEAUTIFUL mom, you at Christmas opening up presents alone because I haven't come along yet, the deer reserve, the cabin snowmobiling and countless other pics when you grew older like your wrestling pictures, Disney, spring break with your buddies, working on the camaro. How you achieved redoing that old car is beyond me. I know it's because you are so very smart and can do and fix just about anything. I know you learned that from Dad. What a relationship you and he have. I picked this picture out of the bunch because I think you both are so handsome! Then you graduated and off you went to the Air Force. I have read the letters that you wrote home and I am so sad that I didn't respond; (In my defense I was young and dumb). You were trying to better yourself, but yet still wanted to be home. You sound so lonely. I am sorry, I should have wrote more often... one of many regrets. You did it on your own though...You have excelled highly in the Air Force and I am proud of you. You are now on your way to retirement which is so hard to believe. Why does life go so fast? You are an AWESOME dad to Sami and a loyal loving friend to many. I have one of your baby cards from a relative that reads: May your Joy be full and may life be good to you always!!! Given to you 41 years ago this prayer is for you. God bless you, have an awesome birthday and a prosperous, healthy year!!!!

Love,

Nikki

Story hour @ Rublev's

2009-01-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

I had never been to the new coffee house on Pierson rd. until this morning. Our friend Melissa was reading for story hour (tuesdays 10 30) So we decided to check it out. I had a chai tea which was very tasty and Sulls got a to die for chocolate chip muffin YUMMY! Jac got some double espresso something or other and he is going to be zooming all day! (As I am typing he is cleaning the garage! ) Hooray for a coffee jolt! We sat on the couch and chatted enjoying our drinks that warmed our bellies. The kids' played with the magnet board and listened to Melissa read several very cute stories. Carmen, Melissa and I enjoyed looking up our favorite friends in the many Flushing year books they have on the book shelves. Circa 1990: Kim and Michelle very cool pics, Kim had such long hair lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great afternoon was had by all and we will for sure go back.

Art and playtime!!!

2009-01-13T10:05:00.000-08:00

As the new year rings in I have decided to make some "resolutions", but not the traditional ones. We are vowing to get my kids out doors more, which Jac has done. We have been having playdates and the kids' love that. I am putting myself out there to plug in somewhere and this means attending a new church that we really like and can't wait to see and learn more about. I am trying to connect w/ long time friends and getting to know new ones, so far so good. I have been on the treadmill everyday and that seems to help my mental and physical well-being. Jac went to ITT to get some brouchures which is a HUGE step for him. He's looking into what he may want to be when he gets older. Not sure what if anything will come of it, but I do hope he pursues something he enjoys. Maybe just for enrichment. I have been doing art projects daily with my babies and this includes very messy play doh UGH!!, fingerpaints, and of course G's creative outlet: her drawing of her and Daddy on a summer day. I love that she is so in awe of her Daddy. Everything is about Jac right now, loves, loves him! I'm so excited to see her writing words and reading books. She has come such a long way from when we first started Kindergarten. May life be good to all!!! It is good to us! Thank you GOD.

Many Blessings!!

2009-01-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

Okay so I got the game night and brunch pictures messed up sorry!!! Trying hard to get caught up. We had a great times guys thanks!!!

New Year's Brunch

2009-01-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

Cheers to friends old and new! May everyone be blessed this year!

Kid Friendly Activities

2009-01-12T12:45:00.000-08:00

Just to let ya know I came across a couple of things that might be of some interested to you:

Wed. 14th $1.oo admission to the Children's' Museum, We'll be going around 1pm.

Sat. 17th The Sleepy Log: 10am-12pm @ Flushing Township Hall, 6524 Seymour rd. The ad reads: Experience nature in the great indoors. Interactive displays and games will demonstrate what trees, insects and animals do in the winter. Crawl through a larger than life log to see hibernating animals and different signs that animals leave, including tracks and scat (?). Snacks and drinks available.

Sat 31th Winter Animal Signs: 1-2:30. Take a hike in the park and look for signs left by animals such as tracks, scat and animal homes. (Kristi this has your name all over it!)

Third Sat. of the month at Barnes and Noble they have an American Girl meeting @ 3pm. Not sure what this about, haven't went yet, but want to. Might want to call if you're interested.

This notice is for the creative, but frugal gal. (Tracey HELLO!!!)

Kelly Edwards of HGTV's Design on a Dime show: Sunday Feb 8th Clio Library @ 1pm. And in Grand Blanc McFarlen Library at 3 30. Kelly will give advice on decorating for less.

If you have any other fun things to do while it's still cold (getting colder by the minute) Than please post them so that we can all network our ideas and get through the winter boredom.

Ta Ta for now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where did all the snow go???

2008-12-29T12:55:00.000-08:00

Wasn't it just a couple days ago that my family was outside romping in the snow? We went on a nice walk with the kids' on the sled on Christmas Eve day and everything was white, bright and snow capped. Now as I look out the window, I'm looking at brown mud in my backyard and grey skies above. I'm not ready for the snow to go. I love looking at it and my kids love playing in it.

The Christmas holiday

2008-12-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

We started the holiday season off with the cookie swap, party with Dennis and Debbie H., An Awesome Christmas play @ South Baptist starring my cousin Rory- great job kid, weekend party with Aaron and Nik D., Christmas eve with the fam @ cousin Julie's. Grace thought that Santa might like a change of pace so she decided on baking brownies for him instead of cookies. Kristi suggested maybe some protien in the way of some cheese .. good thought however G. didn't go for it lol! I tried. I'm upset about the blurry picture. My grandparents' are extremely old and my son isn't in the picture. Ya never know if that's the last picture right? My kids didn't get even half what others' get, but they don't know that thank goodness and they still enjoyed all their gifts. This year was "Little Einstein" and "Littlest Pet Shop" all kinds a crazy!!! I asked for face cream and socks and that's what I got (I'm thinking I should've asked for a new camera ugh!). My husband is such a good listener. He got cologne and a 6 pack of hot sauces, Did he asked for that? No, but that's what he got. Christmas day we laid around all day in our pj's eating snack after snack, talked to family via phone, made a ham and taters, took naps, played with our babies, enjoyed Jamie's awesome fire and overall just had a low key great day. The 26th we went to my uncle Jim's house for dinner and the kids' got more stuff. Played Yahtzee, ate, chatted, the kids' ran ragged and now it is all over!!!! We made it through the 2008 holiday season. Thanks to all for a great year of fun and friendship. I am ready to take down the tree and get to 2009.

The Surprise Christmas Dress

2008-12-27T10:33:00.000-08:00

On Thursday Dec. 18th Grace had her Christmas party in Mrs. Mitchell's class. Jamie and I had decided that with him at home in the mornings and me working we would take turns going to her school events. So it was Daddy who got to go to this party. On Thursday night around 8pm Grace and I were going through the usual, "What are you going to wear to school tomorrow?" ordeal when she announced, "I'd like to wear something Christmasy, like plaids and Christmas colors." Okay, I feel at this point in the story I have to give you some background on MY background. I was raised by my dad who didn't have a care or a clue about girls' clothing. If it fit that's what I wore. I never wore frilly, lacy, velvety or shimmery type Christmas dresses. I did dress up for church somewhat with an every occasion dress or outfit, but then changed when we went to the grandparents. My family to this day never dresses up for family functions. We go for comfort not style. So you can imagine my horror that I hadn't even thought about a fancy dress for a kindergarten party. Grace was very clear in what she wanted though and I could already see the disappointment in her sweet face when she saw my face that I was worried. I went through her closet with a fine tooth comb hoping upon hope that something would miraculously appear that would fit her tough standard. We settled on a hand me down that her cousin had given her. It was a red, white and black sweater dress that was too big for her last year, but it fit now and it would have to do. It was no means fancy and glitzy like what my daughter wanted, but the practical side of me said it was "fine." I don't think of myself as a conformist. I don't typically buy into all the things that society says that I need, but this time I did conform. I caved! I put my lovey to bed and was frantic! I called Jac to talk this matter over with him and HE decided that a dress was very necessary. Daddy's and daughter's: enough said. Our only hope was finding something at Meijer (the only place open at 11pm). So if you can imagine my sweet husband going to Meijer on a mission for a beautiful dress for his only daughter after he'd work the day away. Brings tears to my eyes thinking of the love there. I knew he'd take care of it as he always does so I went off to bed. He woke me up so excited to show me what he'd purchased. He did a great job, the dress is red and black with velvet and has little sequined flowers on it. He surprised her in the morning and she was literally beside her self! Off they went to the party in her $20.oo dress, which BTW is a small price to pay for Grace's sheer happiness. She was grinning ear to ear from what I hear. She was so happy all day. She wouldn't take that dress off until it was bed time. I think she had it on for about 12 hours! She was dancing and twirling and loving herself it that darn thing! It was ssooo worth it! I still don't see the big deal in it, but her fear was not fitting in??? why?? in kindergarten already! She wants to fit in and she thought all her friends would be dressed up (a couple were, two were in PJs opps!). Isn't that what we want for our children? I want that for my kids. MY lesson was that just because it isn't a big deal to me, I have to bring myself to my 5 years olds level and go back a zillion years to remember that it is important to them. Everyone wants to fit in in life what ever that looks like to them. I can't promise that I will succumb to all the pressures of school life, but this one was easy and painless. Good job Daddy!!! Grace you looked fabulous darling!!!!!

Math is OVER!!!!

2008-12-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 17th I made the last trek to Clio to take my final exam in my math class. I can tell you that I had some fierce anxiety running through my whole body a couple days before the actual test, but nothing like really freaking out the morning of. The last 15 weeks has been really hard; frustratingly difficult!!! For people that are blessed with the ability to really understand and know math, they won't understand. The people that are like me know the confusion and struggle all to well. I pray that my children take on my husband's clarity in math instead of my inability to grasp the concept. I had been driving to Mott's Northern Tier 3 times a week for the last 3 months; 2 class periods and 1 tutoring session. The tutoring was a huge help and I got the point where I really liked going every Tuesday at noon. The tutor made everything that the instructor gibbered about make sense, at least to the point that I could get through a test. It was such a relief when I walked out of the last class, even though I didn't know at that time if I had passed or not. At that point the cement block fell off my shoulder and I really didn't care. Of course I always wanted to do my best and certainly pass the class, but I had gotten to the end without missing one day and I was proud of myself either way. I did indeed pass the class with an "S" on my transcript and I knelt to the floor with tears in my eyes and thanked GOD. For it was purely by his GRACE that I made it through! All the nights I stayed up exhausted trying to learn at the kitchen table with Jamie by my side after he'd gotten out of work, the prayers, the help from Leo my tutor, the compassion of the instructor, seeing my children's' faces as I took a test, doing it for them and me, not wanting to let my family down, not giving up, not wanting to waste a bunch of $$, trying so hard and giving it my all. Everything came down to an "S"! Stress! Satisfactory! Success! Sacrifice! Sweet! It was all for something, a means to an end. The end that is closer to a goal. A personal goal that I know now that I will achieve. I have taken a long time to get my college education, but I have not quit and I won't. When I tell my kids' that education is important I mean it and seeing me struggle with this class or something else they learn tenacity and perseverance, which are great lessons to learn. I am proud of me!

The cookie swap was a success!!

2008-12-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

Sunday I hosted a Friends' luncheon and cookie swap and it was a blast! We had Chicken Caesar salad, Stuffed baked pot, and a couple of apps. I was relieved that I was able to pull off the menu as I am not known for my cooking abilities! Jodie the apron lady came and joined us and a few of us got some really cute aprons for our little girls', me one very cute boy one. I got a manly apron for Jamie too because he loves to bake and also likes to grill in the summer so I thought he'd get good use out of one. I just think that everyone who came had something in common with the other whether it was children, motherhood or life in general. I think we had a nice conversation and I had a great time hosting. The cookies were yummy and I was glad to get some new recipes to try out. We did a white elephant gift exchange playing the right/left game which was fun for me to see who ended up with all my stuff lol! Glad to have cleared out my basement! Hope you guys can use that stuff. I can't wait until next year to have another one! Thanks to all who came Love ya!

Snow dayz!

2008-12-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

The time is here that makes it so easy to stayed couped up in the house for the next 4 months while it gets colder outside, but I have vowed to get my kids out a bit each day when it's not super cold. We went for a walk yesterday and Jac helped them with a snowman (possible Christmas card) Monday and I think that is when they ran into Brooklyn and Kennedy, they had fun! If Mrs. Mitchell can get 28 kids' outside for recess than I should be able to handle my two right? Hopefully!

Thanksgiving, Awesome friends and Santa

2008-12-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

Many of you either know my BFF Wendy or at least have heard about her from me at some point. We went to her house in Linden for Thanksgiving and it was so great! Jamie and I typically host Thanksgiving in our family, but this year we were very relieve to get a break as the cousins' went to their in-laws, the great and grandparents are in Fl. so that left everyone with something to do and us nothing to do. GLORIOUS! Can I just say that being at Wendy and Kevin's is like being at our own home; complete with wearing sweats and no make-up, getting in their cupboards to get something and to know where everything is. It is such a great feeling of love at their house that years ago Jamie and I got them a hand painted sign for the outside of their house that says "Come on In" because the feeling is there. Not just for us, but for everyone whom they come in contact with. At a time when I'm reflecting on our many "thanks givings" the Burns' family is definitely at the top. I'm sure you all have friends or feelings like that. Isn't it great. Christian is sitting with Grace and Sulls. He is Wendy's youngest and only 4 months older than G. The kids' had their first sleepover (at our house at least) w/ him last week-end. They had a blast until 12 30 am when I finally told them to zip it and go to sleep! So the check list is getting slowly checked off. We've got Thanksgiving behind us, Jac has put up the lights outside, the tree is decorated, the Carriage Town family is bought for, wrapped, and I delivered their gifts this afternoon. Stayed and wrapped presents with a group of teen mothers' and ran into a woman that I used to go to church and small group with so that was great. I saw and heard alot today while I was there. I saw poverty, hopelessness, homeless people, drug users, young pregnant teenagers, the list goes on. But I also saw other volunteers that showed love and kindness to the strays of the world and it put ALOT of things in perspective for me. The things that I find important, the things that are not really THAT important in the grand scheme of life seemed so small today. When I look at my life and the people in it I feel blessed. I am thankful that I experienced the true meaning of the season today. Finally we have visited Santa and have all our presents, although they need to be wrapped. The American Girl doll came today and G. doesn't even know it is in the house, she will surely flip!!! Next on the list is the cookie swap which is getting such a good response that I am more excited as it gets closer. Can you believe that I have went to Goodwill twice a week for a month and can't find a gaudy sequined, blinged out Christmas sweater? All the old ladies must be beating me to them! Come on. Lastly, I have to get through this math class. I received a 100% on the last test I took, however today I took a geometry test that was sprung on us and to be honest I hadn't even gotten to that chapter yet. My tutor called and cancelled yesterday and so I didn't do it. My fault, I'm slacking, I'm tired, I'm over it all ready!!! I wanted to turn in the test with just my name on it and nothing answered, but I tried to figure it out. I know it didn't work. I didn't know formulas, I didn't know what the circumferences and radius and square roots of this or that was. I cried hard. A really stressed out tired hard cry. Then I called Jac and he hugged me through the phone and loved me. He is the best ever. At this point I don't see how I am going to pull this out of a hat, a passing grade that is. Then as I'm driving I see a church sign that says, " GOD can fix it!" and I start to laugh to myself and am holding him to his word lol! I believe that a good nights sleep is the cure to many things so on that note I'm going to calm my house down and let my kids' sleep with me tonight. I know I'm starting a hard habit to break, but tonight I want them close and it is worth it. Good night for now.....

A memorable trip to Build a Bear!

2008-12-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

I went with Julie to the movies one sat. afternoon and saw two movies, which I never do BTW and it was awesome! Anyway the point is I had to bribe my children to let me go because they wanted to go somewhere too. So the first snowy day we decide to take a trip to Novi to the Build a Bear store. The kids were in their glory. Their eyes were glazed over with awe at all the fun stuff they have there. I was getting nervous looking at all the stuff that they wanted to buy and that I would need to pay for! In the end it wasn't that bad, I was pleasantly surprised. They each got to pick out their new BFF and we allowed them one outfit for each. They picked out their lovey's heart, kissed it, did a little dance, pumped the step to fill it up, bathed them and after we went shopping and they got their outfits, we filled out birth certificates and our experience at Build a Bear had ended. I thought that would be it, but they haven't quit playing with them and I am thankful that we went and that they had fun, Jamie and I did too. It was such a fun, but a simple kinda day with my family and I relished in it. So without further ado meet Grace's lovey Pinky the pink leopard. Sulls buddy is Trees the turtle (he loves hiding things in trees backpack!) I recommend going.

Cleaning up the drive way

2008-11-06T16:02:00.001-08:00

Saturday we had a relaxing day. I went to get my hair done and when I came home my kids' were out in the drive way raking all the leaves up. This is the only tree we have in our yard other than the spruces in the back. It's like having several trees; it can dish out a ton of leaves. Great day to be outside! Then Jac went to a hockey game with my cousins' and uncle and I laid on the sofa sleeper with my babies and watched a movie and dozed in and out. I think I was coming down from all the hoopla and wanted to just veg the day away.. no agenda , no schedule just nothing. Between work, math and a bible study (alot of reading & time), and hosting bunko on Monday I was really needing some R&R.

Monday was super fun!! BUNKO is always fun, but it's fun when I get to host because I can have my Kahula and Creams and not worry about driving the sitter home. The best part was that Jamie took the day off so I didn't have to deal w/ the sitter issue and could enjoy my friends without the hussle of getting home and all that goes with it. Can I just say that Tiffany had nine bunkos!!! That is just unheard of. She rocked big time! I can just imagine what she's going to put that stinking apron through at Boyne this week-end lol! You all now what I mean! I only got two bunkos , but had a really fun time. I never want it to end. Looking forward to next month at Carmen's when we get to wear our P.J's. I'm wearing my flannels and eating until I explode!

game night

2008-11-06T14:44:00.000-08:00

Our house on Halloween seems to be the pit stop for a bathroom break or some cider. Because it was on a Fri. we decided to have game night too. So we ate okay soup from a new recipe (never do that), Cheesy pot, weinies in a blanket, veggie tray, had a ton of candy and yummy fruit salad from the popcorn wagon and played catch phrase until 12 30. The kids' played their butts off and we all had a great time. I wished we would've have more time for pictures because it was a riot as you can see from Dennis and Jamie passing around Carmen's clown wig. She was an awesome clown BTW. Tracey the zoo keeper brought her animals over and they were awesome too! You need to post those pictures Tracey! Thanks for the use of your very nice crock pot too.

Halloween fun

2008-11-06T14:19:00.000-08:00

Halloween came and went in a flash. I had to clean two houses back to back that day so Jamie and the kids' had a afternoon of fun themselves. First they went to the orchard to replace the pumpkins that were stolen twice! Teenagers ugh! They had doughnuts and cider and picked out great pumpkins for a $1.oo a piece! I'm not going to tell you how much I spent on the first two sets! That started a tradition this year that we'll be getting our pumpkins at a discount and will then ensure that they will not get stolen until after Halloween. Needless to say the lure has worn off after the fact because our pumpkins are still on our porch. It's hard to tell, but my talented husband carved Rocket from little Einstein's into Sulls pumpkin. It is so cool! Looking at these pictures I can't believe how nice it was out with the sun shining on them as they carved out on the deck.

2008-10-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn was so sweet and so excited to see Grace parade through her room. Jacob is a clown with a spider on his head!!!! We also saw, Hollie who was a leopard, Kendall who was the cutest Madeline I ever seen, Sophia was wonderwoman, Jayna was a princess, and a host of others that I wished I would've gotten pictures of. Everyone was so cute and looked like they were having a ton of fun.

Happy Halloween from Mrs. Mitchell's class!

2008-10-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

This morning was Grace's Halloween party at school. Jamie and I will be taking turns spending time with her at school, and I was so glad that I got to go today. I originally had to work, but I was fortunate to have a very nice client that let me switch the day. Grace is FIFI the pink poodle and I can say that she was the only one!!! We had a great time playing games, and parading through all the other classrooms. She got so excited to see her other friends. I wish I could've gotten pictures of them all because everyone was so cute. I love being able to partake in fun stuff at school. I had fun with my sweet daughter who wanted me there just as much as I wanted to be. I am glad that she isn't embarrassed of me yet! Grace- I love you and I had such a great time with you today!

My little Daisy.....

2008-10-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

Monday we went to our second Daisy meeting and the girls' are having a fun time together. For those that may not know, Daisy's is the first stage of Girl Scouts. The program teaches honor, integrity, community service and helping your neighbor, among other things. On this day we were celebrating the very first Daisy who would've been 140! The girls couldn't comprehend that! So far we've Learned the Girl Scout law, sang songs, made a beaded key chain, art projects, talked about what makes each girl unique and special. And we will be selling cookies so I'll be asking ya in the spring lol! Sulls comes with me and seems to enjoy himself too. Although some of the girls' think he has cooties lol!

Having a blast.................

2008-10-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

Thursday Tracey called to inform us of yet another fun event.. Seymour hoe down! So with nothing to do, we went and had a fun time. We played games for candy, had a hayride, and enjoyed yummy doughnuts and cider. Very simple, simple is so good sometimes. Then Friday came and Mott had their 7th annual Halloween bash with 2 bounce houses, pizza and doughnuts, face painting, pumpkin painting, and story telling. It was so packed in there that without Jamie there it was very hard to manage both kids' running in different directions. I was glad we went, but it was very hectic. It rained really hard on Friday so I made the decision that Grace couldn't wear her pink poodle costume; I didn't want it to get ruined before her school party and Halloween night, so she was snow white (out of the dress up bin). The wig has seen better days so it was pretty hilarious, but it worked! Saturday we went to Horkey's Michigan game party and that was a nice relaxing time talking with friends and having yummy munchies and really not doing much else, which I always enjoy. I cleaned a rental that day that took me 7 hours so by the time I got there I was wupped. Jamie drove the kids' to Standish to see Grandma off to Florida for the winter. She gave us their upright deep freezer so I'm excited to hit the sales and stock up for the winter. Today (Sunday) we went to Chuck E. Cheese for Sophia's 5th birthday party. The kids ran ragged! They played and played, had great cake, oh it was so moist and good! We always have a great time when we go there. Although Jamie and I were done after about 2 hours; it gets loud. We came home got baths and the kiddies were down before 8pm. Thank God we survived another busy, fun week-end. Now I am anticipating getting my test score back in class tomorrow, which I never look forward to until I see a decent grade. I'm off to bed, it's late and I have an early morning. Thank you to our friends who keep us busy with fun (free for the most part) things to do. We enjoyed it all this week-end!

Scavenger Hunt - Linden

2008-10-24T12:17:00.000-07:00

We were invited to partake in a scavenger hunt last Sat. We met in downtown Linden and were broken up into teams (4 to a car). We were intentionally paired with another couple that we didn't know and I was glad. The whole point for us was to meet new fun people and that is exactly what we did. Our partners were Keith and Kara and they have the same age kids' as us so we had alot to talk about, when we weren't trying to solve the puzzles and find really well hidden clues! It was such a great time! I love doing this kind of thing and this group of friends is really very special. My girlfriend Wendy, who has been my beloved friend for the past 26 years has been blessed to find a group of friends that are so fun, loyal to one another, caring and just all around supportive. The husbands are just as great as the girls' are and we always have a great time when we get the opportunity to get together with them. Marcia put this scavenger hunt together in less than two weeks for her friend Kim's birthday. She really out did herself! The clues were all about the 80's. She included a bag of snacks that if eaten you'd find a bonus question lingering in the canister of pringles or in my case the box of reeses's pieces. Kara and I were so excited to find those little pieces of paper and to get to the next spot. I found two clues which gets your heart pounding for more. We were in first place until we got stumped on the mushroom caps. We took an hour to find that one!! I found a dead possum and Jamie actually check it's butt for a clue lol! The one picture Jamie is feeding me slimy jello (while blindfolded) with a gummie eyeball in it. The first clue was at the bottom. That started the crazy reckless driving all over Fenton, Linden, Holly, all back country roads to end up back in Linden at Marcia and Dave's house. They then had the Snapper shuttle bus pick us up and drive us to Dinner: yummy apps, pizza, pop. They gave out prizes and Kim's team won!!! Wendy's team and ours tied. All this for the affordable price of $24 buck a roos! Cheap fun...PRICELESS!!! It was totally rad lol! We'd like to shout out to the Linden crew... Thanks for the great night!!!

Grandparents 68th Wedding Anniversary Dinner

2008-10-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

Darn it!! I just realized that mimi and papa (my dad's parents') are not right (their picture that is). Oh well that really describes them.. I mean honestly the couple has been married for a gazillion years! We had a nice dinner at Italia Gardens in Davison and they were very sweet. They fed each other cake for crying out loud. They were all dressed up. Grandma even got her hair did. (as Jamie would say) The food was awesome and some of the older relatives shared stories growing up and visting my grandparents. They live on the lake and their place was happening growing up. I remember boating, picnics, bomb fires, ice skating, the tree house, reading every Dr. Suess book written (now the books are falling apart), every major holiday was spent there. They have a two sided fireplace that was so cozy to sit next to at Christmas time. When I sit next to mine, it reminds me of a simplier time when I was little. We spent alot of time at their house. Now there is another generation running the hallways and my kids' enjoy visiting too although we don't get out to Linden very often. Grace and Grandma Marcia (dad's wife) and Jamie and his Mom enjoying the afternoon. It was a nice time and everyone enjoyed themselves. I wish their wedding photo wasn't lopsided because it really is very beautiful.

Ligon Nature Center

2008-10-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

We went to Ligon Nature Center in Clio through the SKIP program. We went with our friends Tracey, Gabrielle, and Gracie lou. The big deal of it all was for Tracey and I, it was a free event, but for Sullivan it was that he got to ride the school bus for the very first time. Needless to say, I thought he did well for a 3 year old who has never seen the inside of a bus before, but he couldn't sit still enough and got yelled at by the bus driver a couple times! In Sulls defense the bus driver was old and crabby (Tracey will vouch for that) It was an awesome day outside. We'd never been there and we'd go back when we have more time. There was face painting which Grace always have to have and Sulls is my great artist. There was so much paint on these pumpkins that they didn't dry for what seemed like a year! The last picture is of Kendall w/ the kids playing out in the camper. They had alot of fun that day too!

What a week-end..

2008-09-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

Lets start on Friday, my day off. Nothing to do... no school and no work. AHHH relaxation. The day started with me and my wonderful son hanging around the house watching Little Einsteins which he loves and I never get to curl up with him and just do nothing. Jamie was running errands and Grace was at school. We then went for a walk. It was so nice and sunny. I could see GOD in everything that afternoon. The sun on my face walking hand in hand with my beloved. Sulls is just chattering away about the leaves and the flowers (weeds) and all the nature..ants, bugs and birds. He grabs my hand as we are walking and says, "I love you Mumma" my heart melts and I love him more than when he went to bed last night. The walk was confirmation that I am to be at home with my children, just a little longer. The walk showed me today that I am a mother first. That I have to sacrifice for my wants for the moment. I might not get to go out with friends and do the "fun" things now, but someday I will. I also don't want to clean as much so I'm only keeping two jobs.

Then came Sat. We got up and decided that this was going to be a work day. Get stuff done around the house. Jac lugged all the wood out of our garage and set a pile out by our shed. Cleaned all the traces of the mouse house in the log pile with bleach, that felt good. We then cleaned out the clutter of the garage, hung things on the walls and got things put away that hadn't had a home in awhile. I can park in there now which is great! Then McDonalds and a movie, pulled the hide a bed out and had family time. So Awesome!!! I ended up doing math homework until midnight and then Jamie and I watched Grey's alone, no kids. Great day!

Sunday came and Jac let me sleep in until 9 30, the phone rang. My mother in law calling to let us know that my father in law was going to die today. We got to Grayling in a little over two hours, but we missed him. Mike died at 1:30pm and we got there at 2:oopm. We shouldn't have stopped at the rest area, I shouldn't have taken a shower or had a whole pot of coffee, we would've made it. I saw GOD in the moment that we just missed, like he was almost detaining us. So we didn't have to be there for the worst of it. The screaming and the crying and the misery. After hospice and the funeral director came and removed the body Sullivan asked to see papa. I told him he was gone. He said, "No Mumma he's just sleeping." I'm regretful. I thought they understood. They are too little. Grace may remember, but sulls most likely won't.

Today, Monday, I had my second math test. To tell you the truth I know I bombed it. I wanted to cry right in the middle of the test, I wanted to walk out of class, I wanted to tell everyone who'd listen that I am sad, that my family has suffered great loss. But I didn't. I did the best I could and said alot of prayers to keep me in my seat and to stay in class. It stunk! I wanted to leave so bad, I wanted to run out to my car and scream and cry. Then I got home and I saw the sweetest little faces and heard laughter so loud that it made me snap out of it. We had the honor of Kendall coming over after school today and boy it was great. The kids' had a blast. From playing in the camper, going for a walk, riding scooters, playing in the leaves, having lunch, playing littlest pet shop and letting Sulls tag along. Kendall is a sweet little girl and was a blessing to us today. Thank you Amy for allowing us to have your sweet daughter today. We would love to have her anytime!!! I mean it too.

What have I been doing???

2008-09-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hey blog friends... I can not believe that I have not posted in a very long while. I merely have not had the time or the inclination to want to sit and write, but tonight I will...Therapy. No pictures just thoughts. I can promise you it won't be too exciting. I have been busy with everything and nothing really. As we speak my red neck husband has found a mouse in our garage and has stabbed it repeatedly with a screw driver!!! I'm very happy as I do not like mice at all and to realize that we have a family of them living in our wood pile close to the entry of our house is enough to send a chill up my spine. I hope they don't live in my camper either, but I am terrified to look, like standing on the chair screaming bloody murder scared yuck!! Jamie is all about getting them all, kinda like Bill Murray on Caddy Shack lol! Kristi, can we borrow Murray for a few???

I had my first test in this stinkin math course and let me tell you I am dieing a slow death already on the third week.... I got a 73% on my test. I am sad, I thought I only got like maybe two wrong..NO 8 wrong. Not good. It is only going to get harder. I saw my tutor yesterday, hopefully that will work out. Stress big time.

I missed book club last night and am very sad about it. I look forward to book club every month and am just really bummed that I decided not to go. probably won't do that again.

I have spent the last couple days staining our kids swing set ( will get picture soon) looks super fresh and new and inviting to play on. That's been on my "To do" list so it felt really good to cross that off.

Last Sat. sold alot of my babies things in a Mom to Mom sale. Feels good to get rid of clutter in my basement. Which leads me to say that I am very excited about our long awaited basement remodel, it is on it's way. It's framed and Jac is working on the electrical, hopefully we'll be able to start insulation this week-end yeah!!! I have my colors and know where everything is going! To excited! With that I'll end........end with good thoughts.

10 years of wedded bliss!

2008-09-11T18:35:00.000-07:00

September 11th 1998 at 6pm on a balmy Friday evening in front of our dearest friends and family we became one. It is hard to believe that we've been married for 10 years. I can't really say that we've had our "ups and downs" and that we've "been through it all" because God has graced us literally. Thankfully, we've seen great times and have had alot of fun. Do we argue? yes, do we disagree? yes, Do we get on each other's last nerve? Of course! The things that I thought were adorable about him when we were dating seem to irritate me now. That's normal right; when you've been with someone for 12 years? Things have changed (physically mostly lol), but we've stayed true to ourselves and our marriage. 10 years ago I was blonde, tan and a size 2. Now I'm grey/brown, certainly not a size 2 and suffer from skin cancer lol! Yes things have changed. We laugh alot and we've got a nice life. We have two beautiful children that we are in love with. We are all healthy (for the most part) and we are grateful. Thank you to Jamie for loving me and Thanks be to GOD for sending this awesome man my way!

Hubby turns 36!

2008-09-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

As of 9:42pm today in 1972 my sweet lovey was born in Owosso mi. We are so blessed to have Jac in our world. I tried to make this day special for him so I cooked breakfast. Okay first I have to fill you in on my cooking abilities...I don't have any! I can not put a pinch of this and a dash of that and have something turn out fantabulous. It's just not what I do. I clean up the mess, but don't create it. I don't enjoy cooking. I get by with the things that I grew up with: super healthy spaghetti O's, hot dogs, mac & cheese, cereal, all soo yummy. Anything that I "cook" turns out great in the Microwave ya know zap, nuke, reheat. So this breakfast was a big deal to Jamie. He was so happy that the house smelled like food when he came down the stairs this morning. I made a ham, mushroom and cheese oven omelet, cinnamon rolls (no Kim not homemade!) and super greasy, but yummy crunchy bacon. It was good and I was proud of myself. In my opinion it was the best gift I could've given him. We also got him some "U of M" lounge pants, a "U of M" beanie cap, and some yummy smelling cologne. I love a good smellin' man. We laid around all day, relaxing, he got away by himself and hit a bucket of balls. I also made him a coconut cream pie (his fav) in lieu of a cake, which turned out alright, not the best, but not the worst. Again made a good effort and that's what counts around here. Cheers to my "1" man!!! Happy birthday !

1st Day of kindergarten!!!

2008-09-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

Today came and went without a hitch! Grace was very excited about her first day of kindergarten. I was more anxious than she was.
She had a great time riding the bus, especially with her friend Brooklyn. The pictures of Sullivan are funny because He fights with his sister when they are together, but he literally played with all her littlest pet shops and barbies all afternoon and kept asking where sissy was. And yes it was too busy of a morning to get him changed out of his PJ's, so he is in Grace's classroom with them on. Oh well, I never said I was a perfect mumma, although I have been trying hard lately. As you can see from my hard core attempt to mimic the cupcake recipe from the Family Fun Mag. They looked cuter in the mag, don't they always though? I feel I get an A for effort! Can't you just tell the cookie is a blackboard, the white good & plenty is the chalk and the red skittle is the apple for the teach. I know I need a life lol!!!!

Michigan Adventure...........

2008-09-02T00:47:00.001-07:00

We no sooner got back to the reality of it all and decided that we were not ready for summer to be over so Sat. we decided to take a road trip to Muskegon for one final hurrah. Sunday morning we were up early, I know we are slackers about church lately, Arrived at the park @ 11:30 and stayed all day. We snuck Sulls on Zach's Zoomer which in my opinion is the best ride ever, for littles that is. We got busted after the third ride with him. He's like 3 inches too short. He absolutely loved it! Both of my kids' love all the rides! Last year when we went they loved the rides, but liked the water park. This time we stayed at the water park for half the day. I just feel like we have done so much with them this summer. This by far has been the best summer ever for our family. We've spent time with friends doing cook-outs, hosting cook-outs, going to the beach, camping, spending time with our families, play date upon play date, free movies, riding bikes, going to the park, eating tons and tons of ice cream, going to the splash pad and really enjoying each other. I feel so blessed to have been gifted with all these things and all the people included in them.

Fun in the sun!!!

2008-09-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

We started celebrating our 10 year wedding anniversary vacation going to see Def Lepard, REO and Styx at the Joe in Detroit the night before we were flying out. What an awesome concert!!! Jamie and I had a blast!! We laughed and danced and sang all the songs, it was a riot! We are back to the daily grind of it all, but we had the best time with each other lounging by the ocean and pool in Playa del carmen, Mexico. We ate good food, I read a good book (1,000 Splendid suns), and basically did a whole lot of swimming and laying in the sun. I was under these huts all day from 9am until the sun was going down. Believe it or not we were up everyday around 7am! We couldn't even sleep in on vacation. We are so used to our kiddies coming in and waking us up lol! We missed our babies dearly, but are very glad we got to get away. Many thanks to our dear friend Kim who got us there through her savvy computer skills and very useful travel knowledge, to our awesome friends Kristi and Jeff who watched our kids' for 48 hours even though I hear it didn't go well. Sorry about Sulls! And to my cousins' Julie and Shelley and their families who picked up the remainder of the week. We have got the traveling bug for sure next. We're already planning our next trip. Can't wait!

2008-08-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

Today has been a frustrating day because I procrastinate and bring so much junk on myself. I have been cleaning my own house, just dropping stuff off to whoever will take it. feeling good about that. It's the calm before the storm (before school starts that is). I feel like I'm in the nesting phase of a pregnancy, I'm busy, anxious and down right in need of this trip to Mexico! I'm stressing hard about leaving my kids'. Hoping that we will return to see them and hold them and to not be selfish and leave them to be parentless. That is my big fear! Then I get news that my father-in-law is basically going home to die. He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, it seems a couple months ago and now he is quickly going toward heaven. I know that is where he will go. I felt like I could always say things how they were with him and he still liked me. That is hard to come by these days. He always asked me how my Dad was doing, knowing that I have a strained relationship with him. That was his way of holding me accountable and telling me that life is too short to be mad about past things. I learned that lesson from Mike. He is such a loving soul and I am terribly sad that his life is ending in this manner. I'm sad for Grace and Sulls (and many grandchildren for that matter) who aren't going to remember papa Mike. I'm very sad for my mother in law who has spent many years with this man and has been by his side in good times and not so good. I'm sad for my super loving husband who won't show it now, but will shed tears when Mike finally rests. Jamie and Mike really like one another. I don't do well with loss, not that I've had a whole lot of this kind of loss like death. It seems like I'm getting closer to having to deal with more and I'm so fearful. I am so glad I have known Mike for the past 12 years. I have always adored him.

gifts

2008-08-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

The people in these photos are a gift from God.
The kids' in our backyard having a blast. We've been looking since the beginning of summer for a big wheels and gratefully my friend Mary was looking to unload one so Jamie of course raced over to get it and Grace and Sulls have been having a riot on that thing..Money well spent to see the joy and hear the laughter on my babies faces. Lastly, the photo of my kiddies with my mimi and papa. My papa is 91 and has had his 2nd hip replacement. On this day we went to the rehibilataion center with the rest of my family and had a pizza party. I love having pictures like these for my kids. Get well soon papa!!!!!

secord

2008-08-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Our fun friends Dennis and Carmen invited us to the family cottage on Secord lake in Gladwin. We had such a great day, the kids loved the boat ride.

Yesterday was such a fun day for my kids. They had four of their good friends over to play.
Sullivan, Grace, Tommy, Brooklyn, Kennedy and Sophia had a great time playing with playdoh, dressing up, changing clothes a couple times, playing with trains and cars, playing out on the swingset, having a snack..the list goes on. It went by quickly and we were sad when gigi and kristi came to get them. I felt like even though I had six kids under my care I still put laundry away and got a couple other things done. They all played very well together and last night they slept so good. Thank you Kim and Kristi for trusting me with your prize possessions. We had fun!

backyard

2008-08-02T08:09:00.001-07:00

I just found these pictures from a million that we have from the beginning of this summer. The pony rides were from our kids' circus birthday party, which they thought was pretty cool! We had the absolute pleasure of being able to watch our sweet little friends Sophia and Tommy for a bit yesterday. They are very polite, such nice little boy and girl. The kiddies had an awesome time in our desolate backyard. It seems that they can use their imagination to have fun anytime anywhere with minimal. I think it's really cute that the girls are sitting next to the boys!

still summer

2008-08-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Father's day at Splash Village in Frankenmuth. We had a great time! Uncle Todd and Aunt Kristi gifted the kids' this pool that has been the source of many fun summer days. The camper was set up and ready to go at the Traverse City State park over fourth of July. We had a load of fun with friends and really have enjoyed taking it out on our many excursions. Another water tower picture with Sullivan. For some reason he wants his picture taken by eveyone we pass by lol!

playing catch up........

2008-08-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Summer for us started with the kids turning 5 and 3. They had a great time! Grace got a new outfit and had to visit Dr. Carroll's office for a perfect check up. Our friend Becky is her hygienist. Jacob, brooklyn and Kennedy playing at the park. I have so many more of Traverse and camping, but I can't put them all up. I'm trying so that you, friends and family can get caught up on what we've been up to this summer.

learning about pictures

2008-08-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

I am just learning how to put pictures on thanks to my handy and smart friend Kim. She schooled me this morning where I literally took notes like back in school! Hey I can't figure out how to have Sullivan not sideways lol! He has such a great love for water towers I thought this would be appropriate. This picture of Jamie and Grace is by far my fav. of them. We just tackled the sand dunes up north. I play around more tonight and hopefully learn more.

The day started slow, but ended so fun......

2008-07-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

Today was my day off (from cleaning other people's houses that is). I still have to clean my own as well as keep up with my kids', my own household chores and errands to run. My husband who I am convinced was sent to me from GOD above let me sleep in (this is normal). I then had a lazy morning of drinking a whole pot of coffee, letting my kids' make a mess with pay-doh (that is NOT normal) and dinking around the house shredded papers and going through my desk trying to make sense of it all. I had every good intention of taking my babies to the splash pad in Grand Blanc and to enjoy this hot summer day, but all of a sudden I got tired. Tired from what I'm not sure. Maybe just life. Maybe the hustle and bustle of all of the things that need to be done or that I just plain WANT done. Then my good friend Carmen called and we had a nice chat, it seems like we don't do that as much as we used to. Then my awesome neighbor Kristi called and we cruised down around the corner and ended up staying for pizza and yummy brownies. Our kids' play really good together (except when Sulls calls everyone dork repeatedly ugh!). It was a blast. I have to say that her and her family is an answer to a prayer that I sent out a year ago; to find a great friend with the same age kids' as my own to really connect with. I feel very grateful that I know them. Kristi is super funny and friendly and a very beautiful person inside and out. She makes me laugh always, but has a big ear to listen to me whine and cry too. Brooklyn (her oldest) and Grace are the best of buddies. They are going to have a great time this year in kindergarten and riding the bus together. I can't wait for the day when kennedy (her youngest) and sulls are off and we can sit and have tea/ coffee and chat uninterrupted. My husband just called and is working 12 hours which is another answer to prayer! So I am having a beer and am getting ready to sit with my book and enjoy my quiet house. What a relaxing day! It started out slow, but turned out great.

No Grace

2008-07-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

This morning I am a bit lost. I have one child this a.m. instead of two. My parents' came to get my sweet precious daughter yesterday to spend the night with them and I am a tad lonely w/out her. I love just chatting with grace, our beautiful child from GOD. I know she is having a blast; my parents' live on the lake. I am going to focus on my sullivan all day today. I'm trying to come up with something fun, yet dirt cheap other than a playscape. Well, I'll write more later, I need more coffee and to start this new day! Ta Ta!

An end to a long day.

2008-05-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

With an almost 3 and 5 year old in bed, I've just sat down for a wonderful glass of Sangria and am reveling in the the house being quiet. I am a second shift wife and my children, as sweet as they are, can be a bit exhaustion! We're up around 7 30 am.(no more lovely naps!) and they don't go to bed until around 8 pm. My head seems to start spinning around 6pm and I wonder out loud sometimes if that is too early to put them to bed lol! I'm off to read my new book club selection "Lovely Bones" and enjoy my slice of time before my hubby gets home and wants me to turn off "mommy and turn on "wifey".