Me and My Crew

A Long Six Months

2010-08-11T09:34:00.001-04:00

It's been a long six months. I know I've probably lost all my followers. My last post was only a few days before my brother in-law passed back in February. Needless to say life has had it's ups and downs.

We've had to deal w/some problems for Cody at school. He's had a couple more belt testings, is now a red belt, will get his red/black in a couple weeks, and become a black belt in December. We took Cody and went to visit our sister in-law in TN, when he got out of school for the summer. We still had our yearly summer get together w/ friends & family last month. And now it's August, I can't believe how fast the time goes by! I can't believe our little boy is going into 5th grade this year!

Will post some pictures of some of our adventures this summer a little later today.

1st Reginonal Taekwondo Tournament - Makes My Monday

2010-02-08T02:25:00.002-05:00

Cody competed in his first regional Taekwondow tournament Saturday. He was a little nervous, but he did great, being his 1st one! I can't believe how many competitors were there, and family!! It was hard to take picures because of all the people, but we got a few. Everyone that competed receieved a trophy, which I thought was really cool!

This was just a few of the competitors.

(Kind of blurry) But This was Cody during warm-ups, doing a jump kick.

And Cody with his trophy! He was very proud of it! So were we!!

His lead instructor did a demonstration before the competition that was really impressive too...

All in all it was really neat to watch. Being the first competition, we weren't sure what to expect. But it was a fun experience, and can't wait for the next one!!

His smile after receiving his trophy 'Makes My Monday'

Visit Twinfatuation to play along. Have fun!!

A Fun Weekend but a Long Week

2010-02-03T16:49:00.000-05:00

This last weekend was fun. We went to my sister & brother in-laws for their son (Luke's) b-day get together on Saturday. It was a lot of fun, and were able to share in the fun with the rest of the family. I still can't believe he's 2 already!!

He had fun opening his presents.....

But the cards didn't really interest him at all!

His cousins had fun too, especially his youngest cousin Adam!!

The cake was yummy!!!

The neopolitan cake with vanilla ice cream was the best!!

Sunday night wasn't so fun though. Cody gave me a hard time about going to bed. The first time he came out of his bedroom he said he couldn't fall asleep, the 2nd time he was carrying his waste basket & said he didn't feel good. Well I thought it was a ploy just to stay up, this was all about 9pm. I was doing some laundry downstairs and I heard him get up and go into the bathroom......

Well Mom was wrong about the ploy to stay up!!! He got sick, and sick all over, from his bedroom to the bathroom!! I was trying to clean things up, while he was still sick. And I didn't know what to do first! I wanted to care for him, but I also needed to start the clean-up, and Mike was working. Needless to say I called Mike frantically ....."you need to find someone to work for you so you can come home"......................."never mind I've got it together now, see you in the morning". I guess I just needed to hear my honey's voice, then I felt better. I had to be at work the following morning, and when I was getting ready, Mike calls "I'm sick too"!!! Well I had to get someone to work for me so I could stay home & take care of my guy's.

They're feeling much better today. Cody went back to school, and everything is getting back to normal!!

Why is there such a thing as a "24hr bug"? I don't like it at all!! I'm just glad they are both feeling better now. Geeesh, what a long couple days!!

Hard to let them grow up!

2010-01-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

They grow so fast it's hard to keep up! I realized today that I do so many things for Cody, that he should do himself. You don't think about it sometimes. You remember bringing them home from the hospital, pretty soon it's off to school. The mom instinct never fades. I'm definitely not a helicopter mom, I don't hover over everything he does. But it's just weird how there are certain things that I do for him that I don't think about letting him do, because that's just what I do. For example - letting him get his own glass of milk, or cut up his own chicken at dinner time. Just things like that, and there are others. I guess deep down on a subconscious level I still seem him as my little boy, and that's how I'll always see him. And even though he's independent with a lot of things, I guess I need to let him be, even more so. I love to watch him grow, and venture into new aspects of his life. I love that he's so smart, and always willing to learn new things. I love his wild & crazy imagination!
It's just hard to watch them grow up so fast. I wish they could stay small just a little while longer. I'm am very blessed though to have such a loving & caring boy. I hope someday when he looks back on his life, and he thinks about mom & dad, he can say we did a good job, and that he's had a good life.

Take care & smile! ;0)

A Fat Cat That Likes to Play

2010-01-27T13:06:00.001-05:00

This is our cat 'Sally'. She's almost 4 years old and I can't believe she still likes to play as much as she does! She is so much fun to watch sometimes. I like Cody's belly laughs when he watches her, especially when she's running around the house like crazy! She'll come walking down the hallway sidways with her tail all puffed out and the hair standing up on her back.

I caught her the other night with the camera, finally, playing with one her foam balls underneath the entertainment center. She bats it under neath then tries to crawl underneath to get it. I just wish I could explain to this cat that one of these days she's going to get stuck!!

It's a good stress reliever if nothing else, to watch this cat!!

My Nephew's 1st Birthday & Family Get Togethers - Makes My Monday

2010-01-18T17:49:00.002-05:00

The family got together Saturday to celebrate Adam (my nephew's) 1st birthday. It was a fun day, a lot of friends & family!

I always love spending time with my family. All the kids had a blast playing, running around, eating pizza, and cake!!

I just wish we all lived closer so that we could get together more often. O'well I guess it just makes it that more special when we are able to spend time together.

Thanks again to Barb & Paul for such a great day!!

Playing along with Makes My Monday

The Computer Blues

2010-01-17T16:21:00.002-05:00

I've been trying to keep up with my blog, facebook too, and everything else, but my poor puter is acting up. I have a feeling I'm going to have to take it to a computer Dr!! I don't know if I can be without it for very long, but I guess I might have to. It's so hard to know what's good or bad as far as visiting web sites, or downloading things. I think what the problem is is that a while back the power cord got stepped on right about where it plugs in to the computer, and created a small crack. I took it to Bestbuy to have it looked at and they told me it would cost about $150, and they would have it for 2 weeks. Needless to say that wasn't possible at the time, and I wasn't having any problems with it then. It's just hard to believe that's the cause of the problems I'm having right now. Oh well, I'll find out soon enough. Wish me luck!! I'll try to keep up either on my puter if I can, before I take it to get it fixed, or on someone elses. :(

Take care!!

Back to school & being 9 (going on 19)

2010-01-14T02:43:00.001-05:00

I wish I could snap my fingers and make Cody's ear infections disappear! The Dr's told us he would outgrow them by this time! Well, I guess that goes to show not everyone knows everything!!! Anyway, after being sick the whole weekend (and Mom not getting any sleep) he finally went back to school Wednesday. He could have gone back Tuesday, but I wanted to let the antibiotics get a good day in the system before I sent him back.

Well, I can honestly say that he's feeling A LOT better! Gee, how do I know this, his talking back along with a little atitude!! That was my cue to say "pack your book bag for school sweetie, because it's school for you today!!!" (I can't fib, he wasn't all that bad... but bad enough!!) Can anyone else relate?!?! If anything, my two sisters with little ones 3 & under can take notes for later on!! ;0)

Way Back When-esday : I know reading is good but...

2010-01-06T13:47:00.002-05:00

I know it's a good thing to promote early reading, but I never thought he would want to start out with the newspaper!! I always wonder when I look at this, what was going through that little mind!! We're very lucky that he does like to read so much, it sure has helped him in school!

I guess letting him read the newspaper when he was small has contributed to him being able to read & write at a 7th/8th grade level while still in 4th grade!

Play along with Way Back When-esday, stop by Twinfatuation

Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Texting, Webcams.... does it ever end?

2010-01-03T19:53:00.003-05:00

Well I told myself, and everyone else that I wasn't going to join Facebook. Guess what I did Saturday? I'm still not sold on it, it's just one more thing I've got to keep up with.... just like my blog, that I hardly ever post on anymore!! It was all really addictive in the beginning, but it all wears off after a while. I guess I'm just not a finatic about it like others are. I can't help it, I seem to tell everybody how much I hate all this technology, like cell phones and computers. Life just seemed a lot easier, slower paced. But I guess things have to change. I just don't like it sometimes. That's just me, I'm not a big computer person. My mailbox has been screaming at me to actually send a letter & for bills too I suppose!!

I do have to admit, the blogging thing is nice for keeping in touch with people, that is when you keep up with your own blog too!!(speaking of myself) ;0) All I can do is try & that's what I do.

Everyone take care & smile!!

A New Year

2010-01-01T21:00:00.000-05:00

A New Year to try and start fresh:

Try things you've never done;

Go places you've never gone (which could be right outside your door);

Take risks even when you're afraid of the big unknown;

Write that letter to someone you've been thinking about (Yes, snail-mail, it used to mean a lot to people, and still does to some!!);

Try a new recipe, a new food;

Sit down and color with your child, or read a book (life goes by too quick!);

Catch yourself when you tell them to be quiet while your watching the news (the news will still be there tomorrow, your child will be just that much older!);

Enjoy it when people want to spend time with you (A lot of people don't have anyone or are too hateful for others to want to be around);

Enjoy being loved, and love all that much more;

Pamper yourself once in a while (buy yourself a book, a music CD)

Don't worry about what the experts say, do they really know it all anyway?!

Live one day at a time: I'd rather forget the past, not worry about the future (cuz I can't change it anyway), and treat today like the present it is!

************************

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and fun ringing in the New Year! I had an awesome time spending it with all my loved ones.

Take care and smile!! ;0)

Closer and closer to that Black Belt!

2009-12-21T21:12:00.010-05:00

This past Saturday Cody tested for his brown belt. He didn't want to go at first, because he thought said he "didn't feel comfortable" with his form. I convinced him that he would do just fine if he did the best he could, and that the rest would come. Well he did great, I knew he would remember all of his moves once he got started. It was awesome!

Here is part of his routine with his Nunchakus.

Part of his form.

This was some of his Sparring. I tried to keep him centered, but didn't have a lot of luck. There were

so many people there and not many places to sit, and the place I sat happened to be the spot everyone had to walk by!

Class picture

Cody with his instructor (Mr.Faett-5th degree black belt) & Mr. Faetts boss Mr.Lance (with 17 world championships under his belt)

Take care and smile, Christmas is almost here!!

A Big History Week

2009-12-12T20:35:00.003-05:00

Before I get started with this post I just wanted to tell my hubby I had a very nice time on our night out for our 15th anniversary! And thank you Mom & Dad for watching Cody for us!!

We had fun with Cody's class this past week. Mike & I volunteered to be chaperones for their 'Big History' week, and when I say all week I mean all week! They went every day last week all day long (8:30-2:30). We spent most of the time at the Historical Museum. On Monday we walked to the Capital and spent some time there, actually I missed Monday because I had to work, then Friday we walked to the Hall of Justice for an hour or so. It was a long week, but it was really fun, especially having tour guides at the historical museum. It was really interesting! Their teacher had a lot of fun assignments for them to do, for instance she had them, at one point, pick out 4 or 5 artifacts from any of the many exhibits, draw a picture and explain why this particular artifact was important. She had many things for them to do. It was really a neat experience for them.

This is the Historical Museum where they spent most of the time. Most of the exhibits they studied were on the 2nd & 3rd floor. The other half of the museum is the library, where they learned about looking at news papers on micro-film, and also learned a little about geneology. They actually let them look up relatives, from the 1930 census on the computers.

Watching, listening, and learning. They had quite a bit crammed into those little brains.

They walked around with their pens and notebooks, did the assignments and drew their pictures.

With all they had to do, I'm surprised they had as much fun as they did!

....and have time to play too!!

The State Capital

Click here for a neat interactive tour through the rotunda at the capital

Hall of Justice

All in all it was a very interesting and informative week. I think everyone had fun!!

My Son and His Talent : Makes My Monday

2009-11-23T10:37:00.000-05:00

Cody hasn't used this chalk board in a long time. But he had me bring it up from the basement last week. He's been using it for practicing his math for school. The other night he was busy at it, and I wasn't paying attention to what he was doing. Well with the holidays soon approaching he's been thinking about Christmas (apparently). This is what he drew, and this "Makes My Monday".

Visit & play along with Make My Monday

School Picture

2009-11-22T12:14:00.000-05:00

I never thought we would receive Cody's school pic's, but we finally got them last week. The first pic's with his glasses on. He was really excited about it. I can't believe how big he's getting!! I wish I could snap my fingers and keep him the way he is! I also wish I could keep myself from getting older. The gray hair, and sagging face. Oh well, life goes on, I'll get used to it.

I got my hair cut the other day, and she asked me where I wanted my hair parted, and I said the side to cover up all the gray patches! They say the 40 is the new 20..... I don't know if I beleive it or not. I remember when I was little, I always wished I could grow older faster, now sometimes I wish I could go back and not have to worry about taking care of family, working. Not that it's a bad thing, but just to have that free spirit, to play and to have fun. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, and wouldn't trade them for the world. I would just like to be able to have that child like spirit, and imagination again. Wouldn't it be great?

Where Does The Time Go?

2009-11-21T18:49:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted anything! A lot has been going on. Cody's doing good in school. He just got over a middle ear infection that moved into an upper respiratory infection, this was about a couple weeks ago. Mike was chosen to take some classes in Alabama put on by the Department of Homeland Security. He was gone the last week of October (the week Cody was sick), and again this last week, infact he just got back yesterday.
Is this coming week really Thanksgiving already!?!?!?! I can't wait to spend time with family, and eat all the yummy food that were going to have! The only thing now is thinking about getting ready for x-mas!! We haven't even started our shopping. It seems to be the norm every year!! Anyone else in the same boat? It seems like it gets harder and harder to buy gifts for people, not knowing what to get.
Hope everyone had a good weekend, and has a good week to come! Take care!

First Day of School

2009-09-08T12:09:00.011-04:00

Well today is Cody's first day back to school after a very short summer!! I can't believe the trees are already starting to change. Not that I don't mind the colors, but that just means that cooler weather and you all know what follows after that!

Cody has been very excited about going back to school. One of the reasons why is that he has glasses now, and second because he said I got the "Teacher of my dreams". I never wanted to go back to school, the only reason I looked forward to it was because of new clothes and a new lunch pail! I would have much rather stayed stuck in the summer and played!!

Here a few weeks ago Mike & I realized that Cody was setting his chair in the middle of the living room to watch TV. We asked him one night to sit on the couch to watch, and he said he couldn't see that far away. Well, we took him to the eye doctor and sure enough! He picked out his own frames, he thought that was really cool, but we had him pick from the bendable frames. So hopefully it will save on having to buy more because of broken glasses!!

Anyway he's at school right now, and I'm hoping everything is going good for him. The other thing I forgot to mention is that he was really happy because one of the kids, that used to give him a lot of grief and torment, was supposed to be going to another school. Well guess who we saw this morning?! O'well, at least he's in another classroom! I'll keep my fingers crossed that he wont have any problems.

I didn't think I would, but I kind of miss him! Not used to having peace and quiet!

Twos-day - Shoes

2009-09-01T13:53:00.001-04:00

I can't believe how fast the summer went by. I seems like just last week Cody was bringing home all his belongings from his desk at school. I guess I must have blinked one too many times!! ;0) And now it's that time again... New backpacks, pencils, erasers, notebooks, etc.
We had to get Cody (another) pair of shoes. I can't believe he is only nine years old, and his shoes are almost as big as mine!!! I always joked with Mike that Cody would be wearing the same size clothes as him before he hit middle school! Well, I didn't actually think
this would be the case!! My gosh they grow fast, don't they?!?!
Sorry about not having people for my pic, but I just couldn't help it when I saw his shoes sitting next to mine! (and yes I know, I need some new sandles!!)

Stop by and visit Debi to join in 'Two for Tuesday'

Have a great day!!

A Fun Couple Weeks

2009-08-30T14:55:00.000-04:00

Cody had belt testing in Taekwando last weekend. Yesterday afternoon one of the students had a birthday party, and last night they had what they called "Ninja Night", it was just a fun get together for all the students with games, fun competitions, and it gave the parents the night out. They had pizza and drinks for them, also at the birthday party earlier that afternoon he had pizza and cake. I think he's had enough pizza to last him for quite a while!!

The testing last Saturday was held at a local park. It was really nice. Afterwards they had a balloon fight and then a cookout.

Cody receiving his Blue belt.

Class picture.

Then the balloon & water gun fight started! I didn't get too close, I didn't want to get blasted with water, while taking pics with my new camera!!

They all had a lot of fun, I think the instructors got soaked the most!!! The kids loved that!!

The cookout was great! Everyone brought a dish to pass, and all the food was very yummy!!

Things That Make You Thankful!

2009-08-16T21:50:00.000-04:00

It's funny how becoming a mom changes so many things in your life, and I'm not just talking about having another little mouth to feed. I mean giving up the things you would usually do for yourself, and (besides loving your husband) knowing that you would give your life for the little one(s) that you bring into this world. Knowing a whole other love that you've never experienced before. And I think we take for granted (sad to say) that those little ones will always be there, and that you will go before them.

This past Thursday I had a reality check, that I think will forever change the way I look at the outside world. My Dad had been over to visit, Mike was working, and when he left, Cody does what he always does. He ran along the side walk to the corner waving good-bye. Mind you we only live 2 houses from the corner. Well, after my Dad pulled out of the drive, I went back inside to pick up from lunch. As I was going to the sink I happened to look out the side window and seen Cody, running like crazy, and by that time he was half way from the corner to our house. When he came in, he was out of breath and sort of rattled. I asked him what was wrong and he told me that two men tried to get him in their car, that was right behind my Dad's van. At first I couldn't say anything, just look at my son, while a warm unpleasant feeling came over me. All I could do was ask him where and how! Then, besides Cody, I wanted my husband. Thankfully he only works a block away! When we got there all I could say was someone tried to take our son, then the tears started! I didn't think that going to the police would do any good because there wasn't a liscense plate number taken, and I never saw the car. But Mike had us go next door to give a report to the police.

My life has been pretty hecktic with other things crowding my mind lately, and then this... I'm still numbed by the whole thing. And just VERY greateful that God was watching out for our little boy. It's wierd how minutes can seem like hours, and how fast things can change in the blink of an eye.

It's sad that our kids today cannot experience the kind of life we had when we were their age. It makes you doubt all your beliefs that you once had, It makes you do a lot of thinking. But then certain things happen that make you thankful too!

Mike & I are very thankful right now!! And I hope that God keep's all little ones safe from harm!

A Great Day

2009-08-14T11:09:00.000-04:00

I know this is a few days late, but I'm not keeping up with all this new technology lately. Anyway, last Saturday my brother & sister in-law invited us to go Huckleberry Railroad and spend the day. It was awesome!! We had a lot of fun, especially the kids. It was fun to watch them on the train ride and all the other things they had to do there. Cody has loved trains since he was about 2 or 3 yrs old, and my apologies to Barb & Paul for getting Jacob hooked on trains!!

The scenery was nice on our train ride.

Sarah didn't like the train whistle, she didn't let go of Mom the whole time!

Cody was in his glory!

Mike tried walking on stilts, he did better than I would have!!

Cody & Jacob had fun seeing the sites.

...and looking at the cows..

....Chickens...

...the Lamas and baby goats!!

When we got back to the house, Cody had fun reading to Sarah

While Adam played with Uncle Mikes watch..

It was a really nice day!! Thank you Barb & Paul, we all had a great time!! Thank you also for dinner!

Cody's Birthday

2009-07-29T08:04:00.010-04:00

Cody's birthday was Monday. It kind of got celebrated all weekend. Saturday we went to our nephews Baptism, Mike was the Godfather, and they gave Cody his birthday presents afterwards. Then on Sunday he went over to celebrate with my Dad & Sister. On Monday we had a small get together with Mike's Mom & Dad, and my Dad. We had a cookout, then cake & ice cream. So all in all I think he made out pretty good! He loves all of his presents!!

..and of course he wanted another Thomas the Train cake!!

And I got an early birthday present from Mike & Cody.... A new camera!! So it will be easier to take & have with me anywhere I go, I can just stick it in my pocket. Maybe now I'll be more motivated to keep my blog updated!?!

Last week was a long week

2009-07-15T10:57:00.001-04:00

It's been just over a week since the first Firefighters funeral both Mike & I have ever been in. Joe, one of our firefighters, passed away from cancer. He was only 53. He was in a hospital in Grand Rapids for quite a while, then when he took a turn for the worst, he was transfered back down here to Lansing and put into hospice. He actually worked for two different departments. There was at least one guy from one or both department's with him in hospice the whole time.
His son Andrew was also part-time with us and full-time with the other department. They were kind of like family. Andrew is my neice Karly's brother, and Joe was like a father/uncle to her. Speaking of family, you never realize how close the firefighter family is until something like this happens. We all worked together to help the family, and help out with the funeral. It was really nice to be able to help like that. We even had other firefighters from some other departments there, even one from Detroit.
Both depatments had all the emergency vehicles in the procession, and it was a long procession! We had other departments cover the stations incase a call came in.
Joe will be greatly missed!

Joe & his son Andrew

Our Chief at the church.

Casket Bearers (from both dept's) preparing for placing the casket on the bed of the truck.

Enroute to the cemetary.

There were police blocking major intersections.

At the entrance to the cemetary

It was a beautiful day, and everything went very well. I couldn't beleive all the people standing at the side of the road on our way to the cemetary, some of them were even saying they were sorry.

All my love to the family.

I Love My Flowers

2009-06-20T06:00:00.059-04:00

The flowers have really started blooming in the last week. My rose bushes are starting to bloom together, they've only been planted for a couple years, it will take another year or two before they really get bigger.

These pink roses are by far my favorite, and they smell awesome!!

My Dad gave me some tiny shoots from his red rose bush last summer, I can't belive how much they've grown in just the last year.

I just got these Canna Lilies this year, never had them before, I think they are really pretty!

Ok I'll only bore you with just one more, my Reblooming Day Lilies.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta - Cody's Last Day Of School

2009-06-19T11:42:00.000-04:00

Cody's last day was pretty fun for him, even though it was only a half-day. Some of us parents got together and had a little party for that last day. Their teacher had no idea, and while the kids were in the cafateria for an assembly, we were setting up the room. We also pooled some money together to get Mrs. Blake something.

After the party & for the last half-hour of school we all went outside and all the kids got their favorite teacher with silly string!!!

They all had a great time. And Mrs.Blake... I think she took it very well, she thought it was funny!!

Stop by and visit Candid Carrie and Play along with Friday Foto Finish Fiesta!

Makes My Monday - Mike's Commendation

2009-06-01T10:51:00.002-04:00

I think I've mentioned once or twice that I've been having problems posting pictures, don't know why. Anyway, this was from the week before last. Mike received this commendation, along with his crew. They were on a house fire with a neighboring Department and together they saved someone from that fire. Well, when something like this happens, they have a small service and present each firefighter with a plaque, congratulating/thanking them for their help in saving a life. I just wanted him to know how proud of him I am, and that 'Makes My Monday'.

Stop by and play along with Cheryl at http://twinfatuation.blogspot.com

A Day Out At The Ball Park

2009-05-28T20:11:00.007-04:00

Last Saturday was a great day for us! We had tickets for a Detroit Tigers ball game, and the weather was wonderful!! We started out our day by visiting Fire Station #57. One of the full-time firefighters has a friend, that was on duty, so we stopped in to visit him and the rest the crew. They were great! They gave us a tour of their station, which isn't to far from the ballpark. They also offered us lunch. Cody thought it was pretty cool! We had plans though to go to Cheli's Chili Bar, which is a bar & grill owned by a Detroit Red Wings player. What's best is that it is right across the street from the ball park.

We tried to get Cody to smile, but the sun was in his eye's.

The fire-works were really awesome, better than some I've seen on the 4th of July!

We never got the chance to catch a fly-ball, but it was a really fun day!!

I'm a Proud Mom

2009-04-30T01:58:00.002-04:00

Again, Cody tested for another belt this past Saturday. He's now received his 5th belt (Green). He has 6 more before he receives his 1st Black belt. Actually 9, because the last three, (Blue, Red, and Black) they have to test twice for. Don't ask me why! I guess they just want them to know the moves really well. I'm really proud of him. He's come a long way, and has learned a lot, especially from the Leadership portion. They teach them things like honesty, and belief, etc. It has helped him in school also! He still has to work on his hearing though!! (LOL)

In full gear for sparring

Receiving his belt from Mr.Lee (3rd degree black belt)

...and don't ask me why the kids put those stickers on their foreheads that come off of the new belts?! It's kind of like a tradition?!

Change

2009-04-24T18:42:00.000-04:00

Change. Some do better than others when it comes to change. Not that I don't like change, it's good to have change in our lives. I just wish I could freeze time when it comes to certain things, like getting older, and my son growing up too fast. It wont be long before he stops believing in Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc... I like that innocence about him. All to soon it will be gone. Especially with the things that kids have to learn in school now, stuff that I never learned about until I got to Junior High! Where did it happen that kids were forced to grow up faster? I wish that kids could just be kids. They can't go out and play or ride their bikes without the parents being worried. I remember getting on my bike and just going all day, and Mom would tell me "just be back before it gets dark out." I wish sometimes that I could take him back to the time when I was growing up so he could get a taste of what it was like to be a kid, to have fun, and not have to have the worries that little ones have now.
I savor every moment with my son. I try not to think about 'tomorrow', and just live in the here and now. I hope after he grows up he don't have any regrets, he's able to be proud that he was our son, and that he thinks of us as having been good parents. No one ever comes with instructions, we do the best we can, and hopefully that will have been good enough.

Way Back When-sday

2009-04-22T11:56:00.003-04:00

Sorry again for not posting a lot in the last few weeks. I don't know why it's been so crazy. When I finally sit down to post something I can't think of anything to post. I tell myself I'll get to it tomorrow. Anyway, I wanted to thank my husband again for the gift card he gave me for our anniversary, which was back in December. It was for a place called Douglas J Day Spa Salon. This place is awesome! I felt like I was some sort of celebrity or something, this is how they make you feel. When I first got there they took me to a small dim lit room where I was to wait for my massage, in there was some glasses, lemon water & biscotti. I met my massage therapist, and then they brought in a large bowl of warm soapy water to soak my feet. Then I received a 90min massage. Then I was walked to a different area where I picked out two bottles of nail polish for my manicure/pedicure. Had my feet soaked again, sea-salt scrub, paraffin treatment, more message, and the same for my hands. All the while they never let me run out of lemon water, made sure I had a magazine to read. I've never felt so pampered my whole life! Let me tell you what, this was the cats meow!! What was also nice about this place is that there weren't a lot of bright lights, and it smelled awesome in there. I can tell you this, I will be going back, maybe not for a while, but I'll be going back!! If you do happen to visit the site, take the virtual tour, it's really cool. Thanks again to my wonderful hubby!! ( I love you more than anything!)
Well, I tried to figure out some pic's for 'Way Back When-sday' and here's what I come up with. A few pic's of taking Cody to the beach along Lake Michigan back in 2004.

I love this picture! He was so busy playing in the sand, totally oblivious to anyone else there! I like times like that, when I can take his pic without him even knowing it!

Play along, stop by and visit Cheryl

F4 - A Few of My Favorite Pictures

2009-04-17T15:42:00.000-04:00

Sorry I've been slaking this last week. It's been kind of busy. Easter Sunday was really nice, spent with family & lots of food! Then Monday it was back to the grind stone, Cody went back to school, and I've been working a lot this last week. On top of that, I had to catch up on continuing education credits on line, and that takes a lot of time. So my excuses are out of the way.....

I couldn't think of what photos to use for today with Friday Foto Finish Fiesta, so I just pulled out a few at random, but they are some of my favorites. And by the way who has pics of their family that they really don't like, I know I have some of myself that I don't care for, but I'll save that for another post.

These are some of the foto's from our trip to San Diego. This was the Train Museum. Cody loved it! Mike & I actually liked it too! I couldn't believe how huge the place was. I don't think he'll ever forget it!

Stop by and play along with Friday Foto Finish Fiesta.

Way Back When-sday

2009-04-08T00:52:00.000-04:00

Thinking about how small Cody was when he was when he was born, a preemie at that! The doctor was going to send me home because my water hadn't broke yet, and thank God for the nurses that caught some problems when they did or he probably would have been still born. Every time I had a contraction his heart rate would drop considerably. So the doctor broke my water, and after 19 1/2 hours of labor, and putting me in every sort of position possible, and the only way he would tolerate the contractions was me lying on my left side, he finally decided to pop into the world, as they were prepping me for a c-section. Then we finally found out that the problem was the cord was wrapped around his neck, abdomen, and a leg. The nurses were awesome, and I can't thank them enough.

So these were the first pic's, before they took him away from me for almost a day. So thinking back I'm grateful about this Way Back When-sday. Everyone take cake care and be grateful for today!! ;0)

Two For Tuesday's

2009-04-07T12:06:00.000-04:00

Like I've said before, I'm not a Mom of multiples, but I still like to play along with the Two For Tuesday's. I have a few pictures of Mike & Cody at the fire station and I thought I would post this one. It's one of my favorites.

Life goes by quick some days and others just seem to drag by. Some days there is so much going on that it makes your head spin and others that seem like nothing happens and you want to just lay around and watch TV or read. I'd like to blog everyday, but that just doesn't happen. I'd also like to read every one's blogs, and that just doesn't seem to happen, and I'm sorry about that. I do catch up when I can.

I do want to thank everyone who doe's stop by and visit my blog. It seems that I could spend all day reading and commenting, but life happens. So I'm sorry if I don't get to every one's blog everyday.

Hope everyone has a great day.

Take care!!

Don't forget to stop by Eight Is Great and play along!

Baby Picture Sunday's

2009-04-05T11:35:00.001-04:00

I know I haven't posted anything in a few days, that's life for ya! I did come across a cute pic of Cody from his 4th birthday. He's loved Thomas the train (if you couldn't tell from my last post!!) ever since he was about 2yrs old. I can't tell you how excited he was about this Thomas, I guess you'd call it a box, for his trains! No sooner did we turn around and he was inside it!

I guess you can say it was well worth the money, and this was before he got the idea to make it 'snow' in his room!! I can tell by looking at him that the thought was already starting to fester!!!

Happy Sunday!

Hope you play along with Baby Picture Sunday's!

Way Back When-sday

2009-04-01T11:06:00.001-04:00

I couldn't help but think back about an incident with Cody & his Thomas Trains. At first we were upset, then couldn't help but laugh.

A Thomas the Tank Engine - $12.99

Bottle of baby powder - $3.79

A child wanting to make it snow on his trains in his room..........

A lot of cleaning up!!

A child laughing about it because he thinks it's great, and he knows he's not the one who is going to be cleaning it up.............. Priceless

Note: It took us 2 days to clean the powder off everything in his room!!!!

But it was a great memory!! And also note the sweeper in the right bottom corner??

Play along with Way Back When-sday.

Have a great day!!

Baby Picture Sunday's - Spring

2009-03-29T09:06:00.000-04:00

I thought since spring is the theme this week, that this pic would be appropriate. I only have a this one picture of Cody with the Easter Bunny. I hadn't looked at it in quite a while though. I can't believe it's that time of year again... I hope warmer weather and spring flowers will be here soon!! I can't wait! Winter has all but worn out its welcome this year!

Play along with with Baby Picture Sunday's

Have a great day!!

F4 - Favorite Place to Vacation

2009-03-27T10:18:00.001-04:00

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

These pic's are from a couple years ago, but from one of my favorite places to be (Michigan's Upper Peninsula). These are from Tahquamenon Falls, Big Springs, and Pictured Rocks. Hopefully we can get back up there this summer for a while, and visit family or just go camping. I can't wait!

Play along, visit Carrie click here.

Have a great day!!

Thanksgiving Thursday

2009-03-26T16:36:00.019-04:00

What I'm thankful for

I got up this morning.
The sun is shining.
My husband had the day off.
That Cody had a good day at school.
A husband and son who love me unconditionally.
That Spring is almost here!!
and with that..warmer weather too!!
Another Holiday coming up soon, so I can spend time with family.
My son is smart and healthy.
That God gave me a second chance today to start all over again.

(I always like seeing it as a second chance, whoever heard of a 3rd chance anyway?)

Have a good day!!

What are you thankful for? Play along click here.

Making Wishes Come True

2009-03-26T11:08:00.002-04:00

I subscribe to Betty Crocker e-mails for easy dinner ideas & such. Well today, actually it came the other day (haven't checked my e-mail for a few days), I read that they are donating $250,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation. So anyway, head over to the Betty Crocker site Making Wishes Come True and check it out, or the link above for the Make a Wish Foundation. I think it's really cool, helping all these little ones live out dreams!!

Take care!!

Makes My Monday

2009-03-23T12:31:00.000-04:00

I love this time of year. The weather starting to get warmer, the days staying lighter longer, and the first signs of spring starting to sprout up through the ground! It means that it wont be long before I'm able to get out in the yard and start cleaning up, maybe start some flower seeds inside so that they will be ready to plant outside when it does get warmer.

I was outside today and noticed all the flowers sprouting up through the ground. How beautiful it is and how hopeful it makes me about the upcoming months! Thats what 'Makes My Monday'.

Hopefully they will look as good as they did last summer!

Play along with 'Makes My Monday'

Have a great day! ;0)

Restful Saturday

2009-03-21T15:12:00.000-04:00

I finally finished the last of the four afghans that I made up for some of the children down at the Ronald McDonald House. I'll be taking them down sometime this next week. I can't wait! I hope which ever children get them will like them.

I can't wait to get started on some more, with some other colors. I didn't realize how much fun it would be.

Everyone have a great rest of your weekend,

Take care!!

Pray For Me, Pray For Others

2009-03-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

Pray for Brady. Found out about this little boy from Debi. He was just diagnosed with stage 3 neuroblastoma back in January.

Click here to read more about Brady. So say a paryer for him and all the other little babies with such nasty diseases!

I sure wish someone could come up with some cures soon!!

Take care!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T14:53:00.000-04:00

First of all, Happy St. Patrick's Day! It's such a beautiful day too, here in Michigan anyway. The first really nice we've had in a long time!! And to top of St. Patty's Day, it's my honey's birthday. Yeah he gets sick of the St. Patrick's Day thing when it comes to his b-day. But I think it's kind of cool myself.
So I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to my favorite man!! I love him dearly and would do anything for him, just like he has done for me!!

Makes My Monday

2009-03-16T12:27:00.001-04:00

Sometimes letting my son on the computer (parental controls active) is a good thing or not. I wont get into specifics. But he surprises me every once in a while. He likes to google about presidents, coins(currency), trains, and space(astronomy). There are some days when he really tugs at my heart though, like the other day after picking him up from school, when we got home I opened the door and was going to let him go in first, "You first Mom" he said. Then there are other times when he makes me things like this saying and pic that he printed out for me. It's those little things he does for me that 'Makes My Monday'.

What Makes Your Monday?

Visit Cheryl and play along with 'Makes My Monday'

Have a great day!! ;0)

An Award For My Bloggy Friends

2009-03-16T01:24:00.000-04:00

My Blog Friend Award!

I received my first Blog Award today from Debi. Thank you so much, it means a lot to me! I've been following her blog for quite a while now, and I'm always amazed at how much she cares for others, especially families who have children with cancer. If you get a chance,visit her blog and read about all she does, and on top of all that she has 9 children of her own. All I can say is she's an awesome lady!!
Keep this award going. The requirements of this award are as follows:

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. The kind of bloggers that aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of the prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly written text into the body of their award".
Thank you so much Debi for this award it means a lot to me to be called a friend by a fellow blogger ;0)
I thought it might be nice to award this to some of the bloggers I follow, and that follow mine. It means a lot to me, since I haven't been blogging that long.

Hope you like your award, and pass it on to 8 other friends!! ;0)

Baby Picture Sunday's

2009-03-15T17:21:00.008-04:00

Couldn't find a picture of Cody in green, since that was the theme this week. So I thought this would do okay since he had a little little green face paint on. He wanted to be a clown, so we painted his face. He loved it!!

Have a happy 'Baby Picture Sunday'

Don't forget to stop by and play along! ;0)

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

2009-03-13T20:35:00.001-04:00

I haven't played along with 'Friday Foto Finish Fiesta' in a while. So I thought I would find some pic's to post. The "Foto's" I picked were from a few years ago. Mike & I did a presentation for Cody's classroom on fire safety, and first aid. It was really fun! Those little ones had so many questions it was unbelievable!!

We had a lot of fun that day! It's great to watch their little faces!!

Play along with Friday Foto Finish Fiesta. Have fun!!

Thankful Thursday's

2009-03-12T14:29:00.003-04:00

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What I'm thankful for today

A husband who will and has stuck by me through the good times and all the bad times, and loves me regardless.
My son who loves me no matter what, and that he's smart & caring.
A roof over my head.
A job(s), that I wouldn't trade for anything.
Family & friends who believe in and trust me.
A car to get me back and forth to work, and everywhere else.
Food in the refrigerator.
For a loving family (imediate & extended)
For the one parent I have left, my Dad, who will do anything for me, and is always there when I need him.
For all the friends I've made since I started my blog. ;0)

Play along with Thankful Thursday

Way Back When-sday

2009-03-11T09:09:00.001-04:00

I couldn't resist these pictures for 'Way Back When-sday'. Cody was just finishing up his lunch and decided to do a little reading, or should I say gawking! He didn't even notice me taking the pic's!

Anyway, have a great day!!

Want to Play along? Visit Cheryl and have fun with Way Back When-sday

Makes My Monday

2009-03-09T14:44:00.002-04:00

I've been thinking about getting another family portrait taken. The last time we had one taken was when Cody was about 9mos. So it's definitely time to have another one! Well it probably wont be any time soon, maybe this summer? Anyway, I've been trying to find a pic of all of us together, and the only thing I keep coming up with are the couple that we had taken when we went to Disneyland. Needless to say, I posted one of them. I wanted to let my two guy's know that I love them & they complete me!!
They definitely make 'Make My Monday'!

Play along with Make My Monday, stop by and visit Cheryl

(I just realized, one of the other pic's I was talking about is in my sidebar-lol)

So much to catch up on

2009-03-07T17:11:00.008-05:00

It seems like the past week has been a little crazy. Just busy with everyday things, taking Cody to & from school, work, house work, finishing up antibiotics for a sinus infection, etc etc... I'm just now starting to feel a little better and not seem like my head has been stuck in a fish bowl (a small one!), and I can't forget yesterday evening Mike called me from work and said he would be leaving work early. He said that he slipped and twisted his ankle while out doing some training with the fire trucks, and that I would probably have to take him to the ER. Ok, so I'm thinking I'd go get him and he would hobble out to the truck, no problem. Yeah well, I get there and one of the other guys had to help him to the the truck! Why didn't he tell me on the phone that it was that bad? Well, that's a man for ya!! If he would have told me that I would have just said to have the guys take him in by ambulance (since they weren't out on any other calls right then) then I would just meet him down at the hospital. And wait....isn't that what the ambulance is for?? O'well, those of us that work with them don't see the need for that unless ABSOLUTLY necessary. We're all like that I guess.
Anyway, after all the hurry up and wait, he does have a broken foot. So don't know how long he'll be off work. I'm just thankful that it wasn't as bad as some on the job accidents can be! Before I forget, I want to thank Mom for being there to take Cody for the night, because heaven knows how long ER visits can take. It really wasn't that long of a wait, about 4.5-5 hrs, and was still too late to have picked up Cody. So it's a good thing we did decide to just have him spend the night with Grandma.
So I'm home with him now, and taking care of both my 'Favorite Men'! I don't mind, it's kind of nice to actually have Mike home and have him relax instead of up doing what ever and not sitting down for a minute. It's been a nice (rainy) day, minus the broken foot, to just relax and watch movies, talk, I can't forget my favorite (blog)!!

I'm going to post some pictures of Cody and his belt testing at Karate last week. I had school (continuing education) classes last Saturday, so I couldn't go. Mike said he did really good! Also both of Mike's sisters were here with the kids to visit, and they all went to Impression 5 Science Center. It's really a neat place with lots for the little ones to do. Everyone had a good day that day! I just wish I hadn't missed it.

He's always happy to pose with his instructor Mr. Faett!

I'll say it again, Cody loves spending time & playing with his cousins. (I think they would follow him anywhere!! lol)

Even playing in the water....

and he loves explaining things to them.

I'm glad he has so many cousins now to play with!! Also that they had such a good day!

Grosgrain: Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-07T01:02:00.007-05:00

No, not the cinnamon sticks you're thinking about!
What a cool site! I could really do some damage with the check-book here!! The $20 gift card would be very nice though. They have the neatest jewelry. Too neat! Thanks for sharing Barb.

Hope others check it out too, especially those with kids,
Grosgrain: Cinnamon Sticks GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Mamarazzi's Favorite Things Swap

2009-03-06T10:05:00.021-05:00

I received my package yesterday from my swap partner. How cool it was to participate in the Favorite Things Swap! Hopefully my partner will receive my package soon!

The brightly colored wrapping paper was nice.

Right now I'm having a cup of that coffee while I'm blogging, and I also have one of the candles burning. It smells wonderful!! I also have to say how good it smelled when I opened up the package! The smell of the candles and the body spray & lotion, it was awesome! I haven't tried the chocolate & pretzel's yet, can't wait to though. Oh, I have to say I've had some of the Reese's cups! Those are my husbands favorite, but I told him these were off limits! My car also smells good too!!

The desserts cookbook, OMG, I have to go grocery shopping so I can make some of these wonderful recipe's. I'll have to post some of them!

I just have to say to my swap partner, 'Thank you!!' ;0)

I really love some of your favorite things! Hopefully you will get my package soon.

To see some of the Favorite Things of other's who participated click on the button below, or stop over and

visi Mamarazzi at Dandelion Whishes.

Way Back When-sday - Uncle Andy and Cody

2009-03-04T19:06:00.002-05:00

Uncle Andy, one of Cody's favorite's, that he doesn't get to see very often at all!

This was a few years ago when Andy (in the Navy) flew in for something work related. It was the first time Cody had ever seen a big plane like this up-close! He thought it was really neat. As did I, first time I'd ever seen one too.

We had the chance to go in and check it out, look at all the buttons. Pretty cool. Looked like to much for me to ever learn to fly a plane, that's for sure!

Andy is the one who takes care of, and fixes these types of planes for the Navy.

He and his wife Jeanne live in Tennessee now. Back when the picture was taken they lived in California. He only has a few more years left before he can retire. We're all hoping they can move to Michigan when that time gets here!!

Anyway, Cody loves and misses his Uncle Andy and Aunt Jeanne!!

Stop by Twinfatuation to play along with Way Back When-sday's

Take care!! ;0)

Baby Picture Sunday's

2009-03-01T19:38:00.001-05:00

I know Cody will probably be embarrassed about this picture because he's in the bathtub, but I thought it was cute. He was looking at me like 'you're not mad because I drew on the tub are you?' He loved the tub crayons! They are pretty neat, and wash off easy. Can never get into the tub or shower as easily anymore!

"I know you're not really going to get mad at me", "you think I'm too cute!".

Play along with Baby Picture Sunday's.

Have fun, and take care!!

Way Back When-sday

2009-02-25T13:01:00.002-05:00

This is a picture of Cody and my Dad. It was Cody's b-day. Don't you ever end up with pic's sometimes that you like so much that you want to blow them up & hang them on the wall? Well this is one of mine.

I love the times Cody can spend with his grandparents. I think it's so important, they learn so much from their grandparents. And also get stuff because their 'spoiled'!! Why is it though that they can sometimes act like brats at home, but the moment Mom & Dad leave, they do a complete 360??!!?? When you pick them up you hear,

"he was an angel all day!"

I love times like these anyway, so I guess it makes up for it!

Everyone take care!! ;0)

Wanna play along with Way Back When-sday stop by and visit Cheryl

Two For Tuesday's - Sharing Ice Cream

2009-02-24T16:31:00.009-05:00

Ah, I wish it was warm enough outside to be having ice-cream!! Again, even though I don't have multiples, this is my 'Two For Tuesday's'. I loved sharing moments like this with Cody! He was not a picky eater either, not even now. He would eat anything you put out for him! Heck in the summer time he would go out to the garden and pick tomatoes right of the vine and eat them like apples. He loves all kinds of veggies! I'm lucky for that, I know a lot of little ones are very finicky eaters.

I was just telling my sister-in-law that I would send her a brick to strap on her little ones head to slow him down as soon as we found one for Cody. I really miss these times, and time flies. They grow too fast!!

Anyway every one enjoy 'Two4Tuesday's'.

Take care!! ;0)

Don't forget to Stop by and visit Eight is Great and play 'Two for Twos-day'.

Makes My Monday - Roses from my Hubby, just because!

2009-02-23T14:59:00.001-05:00

Well it wasn't Monday, it was yesterday that he came home with these for me. I was just sitting here looking at them and saying, 'hey, that would be something different for a blog post'.

And you know what that those Roses 'Make My Monday'.

I've had the crud all weekend, must have picked up something from Cody last week. It wouldn't be a family if we did 'share' right!!?? I woke up Friday morning at about 2am, and I could tell 'the crud had hit'.

Anyway, on Sunday Mike went to the store to pick up something for dinner and he brought these back for me. Love the little jar & holder they are in!

Okay, I have to go blow my nose then go pick Cody up from school. So I'll ~~talk~~ post again later.

Take care, and everyone have a great rest of the day!! ;0)

Don't forget to visit Cheryl and play along with Makes My Monday

Saturdays Remembered

2009-02-21T19:15:00.001-05:00

I said a while back that I came across some other pic's of Cody. The only thing is, putting them on the computer! Yeah this was back before digital camera's and other fancy technology. Oh' well it don't take that long to do. I do have to say they did have digital camera's, but they weren't as advanced as they are now. I didn't blog back then either.

Pudding was one of his favorite things...

maybe because it was easy to rub all over the place...

and then laugh because he knows you're the one who's going to be cleaning him up,

along with everything else...

Where would the memories be if you didn't let them have fun when they eat!!

Anyway, everyone have a great day!!

Take care, and smile!! ;0)

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

2009-02-20T13:39:00.005-05:00

I thought I would try to get a picture of Cody with his baseball hat on. "Smile Cody"...noooo, he wanted to be all serious, any other time he wants to be all silly & goofy! Oh well, I need to start taking more pictures, I've been kind of slaking on that. Especially since the name of my blog is "Me and My Crew", and I never have any pic's of my better half, just Cody. I'll try.

What ever!!??

"Mommm, I don't want to smile!!"

----------------------------

By the way I just want to add something. The other day I wasn't into doing much except being on the computer. Ok, so I put on my sweat pants cuz I'm not going anywhere, and I want to be comfortable. My husbands comment, since he hates these particular sweats. (Maybe because their not somewhat form fitting) and isn't that the whole idea about sweats is that they are comfortable??!! "I know how to get you to stop wearing those sweats! I'll just tell you they make your butt look big!" My comment??????

Well...

1. "You're not going to leave me after 17yrs because you hate my sweats!"

2. "If I was really worried about my 'Butt' looking big I wouldn't be wearing them anyway!"

and

3. "I'm comfortable, and that's all that matters!!"

So the 'Fat Pants' stay!!

(and just to rub it in I think I'll have him take a pic of me in my favorite 'Fat Pants'!

Don't forget to visit Carrie and play along with Friday Foto Finish Fiesta!

Way Back When-sday

2009-02-18T14:03:00.017-05:00

It's so fun looking back through old pictures! I came across so many today that I can't wait to post later! The one I'm posting today is one I couldn't resist. He was always one that was interested in books & reading. He sat and looked at this paper for a long time. He also loves reading the funny pages on Sunday. It's no wonder that he's reading at a 7th-8th grade level in 3rd grade. Mike & I about dropped our jaws when we got his report card from school! He sure didn't get the smarts from me, (Mike said he didn't get it from him either,but I'm not going to say it) he he ;0)

We found out yesterday at the doctors office that he has an upper respiratory infection, and decided to keep him home from school today just to let the antibiotics take hold before we send him back. He's still kind of sluggish, and not eating a lot. So keeping him down today will help.

Hope everyone has a great Wednesday. Take care & smile!

Make sure to stop by http://www.twinfatuation.blogspot.com/ to play along

Where did Monday go?

2009-02-17T02:43:00.005-05:00

Cody didn't have school yesterday because of Presidents Day. It's was a good thing anyway, he started running a fever Saturday. I was busy keeping him comfortable, and giving him Tylenol every 6 hours. We're pretty sure he has an ear infection, same symptoms he usually has with one. Mike worked yesterday, and I had my Dad come over so I could go to the store & get more Tylenol. I also picked up a couple extra things for him, that I usually do when he gets sick, i.e. coloring books, some candy, chicken noodle soup, etc. It is always nice to spend the day, just him & I (minus being sick). I helped him make a fort in the living room out of pillows, couch cushions, and blankets. I always love it when he tells me "Your the best Mom ever". That makes me feel really good!! He is so psyched about tomorrow, because 'High School Musical 3' comes out. He's been bugging us about it for the last couple weeks. Hopefully we'll be able to get it for him. I'm sure we'll be keeping him home from school tomorrow. I will be calling the doctor if he's still running a fever. I keep mentioning 'tomorrow' and today is tomorrow!! He's gotten up a few times already tonight, and I cant get back to sleep! So I figured I would 'Blog'!!!!! Since I didn't do any blogging yesterday. So don't think I'm weird for being on the puter so late, or early, how ever you want to look at it. Speaking of which, I think I might try going back to bed again. I don't want to be sleep deprived ~~tomorrow~~ today!?!?! I want to be able to be amongst the living. Anyway, Take care & smile! ;0)

Baby Picture Sunday's

2009-02-15T11:39:00.003-05:00

Happy (belated) Valentines Day!!!! Baby picture Sunday's. I love looking at pictures of Cody when he was little! I wish time didn't fly by so fast. I wish I could slow time down sometime!! I look at his school pictures and wish I could go back in time. I really love going back and looking at old pic's of him! If only I could keep him little again. I dearly love to watch him grow. Some people say they cant wait to have them grow up & move out. But to me, I want to spend every moment with him and savor every waking moment with him. It wont be much longer that he wont want to spend time with me. So I'm going to savor every moment with him I can!!

I've said it before, but time really does fly, especially when it comes to raising little one's. But it's all worth the time & effort!!

Take care! ;0)

Our Valentine's day was really low key, but nice. Mike had to work, so Cody & I spent the day together and it was nice. Hope everyone else had a great day!!

Procrastination

2009-02-11T10:49:00.092-05:00

I know I've been ignoring my blog for the past week. I've been trying to clean the house, I mean really clean, dust, mop, disinfect, etc. BUT, I get to looking at it then get discouraged or start procrastinating. I have cleaned at least one room everyday, the laundry, and my 55gal fish tank. So I guess I haven't done that bad. I keep telling myself I'm going to set up schedule so I can keep the house clean (just like I've done for the last 5yrs) I should have luck this time right?? NOT!! It doesn't mean I wont try. Does anyone else have this problem? I hope I'm not the only one!!
Anyway, I figured I'd post a picture of my fish tank, since I've never posted about my fish before.

The big rocks there are from Lake Superior. I picked them up along the beach a couple years ago.

I know most people think this fish is ugly, but I've got to tell you about it. Here about 3 years ago, back when I had 2 or 3 of these. I was cleaning my fish tank and when I do I have to actually take apart the filter and clean it also. Well when I did I saw this weird thing in there it looked almost like a fish? Then all of a sudden it moved! Come to find out the other fish mated and the only little egg that survived got caught in the filter, and still grew once it was in there. It was very small, and if I would have put it in the tank it wouldn't have survived. So I fixed up a small bowl with a plant, put it on top of the tank light to keep it warm, kept it fed and here he is today. I know probably not that interesting, but I thought it was cool!

Well hope everyone has a good day. Take Care!

Way Back When-sday

2009-02-04T10:12:00.029-05:00

Way way back! A picture of my Mom and I being introduced to the neighbors dog. I loved animals, and still do. Hopefully we'll get a dog sometime within the up coming (years). Cody would like to have a puppy. But I don't think it will be this year...

Anyway, when I was little I used to go over to the neighbors to play with this dog. He was pretty cool!

Have fun with your pictures! Stop by and visit Cheryl to play along!

Two For Tuesday's

2009-02-03T14:28:00.042-05:00

I couldn't resist. I came across these other pic's when I was weeding out empty folders and other things that I'm not using. I can't believe the change in only the past couple years. It's amazing how fast children grow! I'm so lucky to be part of such a wonderful family. I really feel blessed! I can't believe my 'baby' will be 9 in July!! Time sure does fly. Like I said in a post a couple days ago, I can't wait until the whole family can get together again so we can get another pic of all of us. I can't believe how much our family has grown!

Cody was too excited about meeting his twin cousins Sarah & Jacob!

...then his new cousin Luke...

...And he couldn't believe how small new cousin Adams hands & feet were!!

Hope you all enjoy seeing the change as much as I have!

Stop by Eight is Great to play along with Two For Tuesday

2009-02-02T14:46:00.014-05:00

I'm trying out Mamarazzi's "Favorite Things Swap". Sounds like fun. To join in click the box above.I will let you know how it goes.Take care

Fun Sunday

2009-02-02T08:46:00.031-05:00

Even though my nephew Luke's 1st birthday was on the 27th, we celebrated it yesterday at Mom & Dad's house. Everyone was there, it was really nice. There was lot's to eat and drink, and lots of opportunities to take pictures with all the grand-kids. Some of us watched part of the Super Bowl too! I'm not a big football fan, more hockey than anything else!

Daddy giving Luke a ride in his new truck!

The twins watching patiently as Luke opens his presents!

Jacob eating lunch with Uncle Mike

Newest member of the family Adam

Finally a picture caught in a split second before they all decide to move again!!

What a fun day!!

Baby Picture Sunday's

2009-02-01T11:13:00.016-05:00

How I love looking through old pictures of Cody. It's fun to remember moments gone by. I didn't realize how many I do have, and I love sharing them with others, and also looking at pic's that others share.

Too bad I can't keep him this age. He was so much fun. But aren't all babies? The theme this time is video's, unfortunately I don't have any video's I can find, so I just posted a pic.

Have a wonderful Sunday, and take care! ;0)

Share your baby pictures, stop by Who Says 8 is Enough

Check this out!!

2009-01-30T08:24:00.030-05:00

I just found out about this neat web site fromWho Says 8 is Enough. You can upload pic's and do really neat stuff with them. I thought I would check it out quick and see how it works. I didn't spend a whole lot of time with it, but I'm sure I will later. Hope everyone will check it out, head on over to Picnik. Have fun!
Take care & smile!! ;0)

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

2009-01-30T05:56:00.074-05:00

Photo Phinish Phriday

This picture was taken about 6yrs ago, but It was a great time. It was Thanksgiving and the whole family was able to get together. Everybody lives at least 70 miles or so away from each other, all except my brother & his wife, they live in Tennessee. So they don't get up here to Michigan very much. This pic was also taken when Cody was the only grandchild. I always love it when everyone can get together! Makes for fun times. I just wish we all lived closer. I can't wait now to get another picture of the whole family, now that there are 5 grandchildren!! Cody loves being the oldest of them all. He plays so well with them!

Everyone take care & smile!! ;0)

Stop by Candid Carrie and play along with Photo Phinish Phriday

Way Back When-esday : Best Buddy's

2009-01-28T18:13:00.033-05:00

Back before he was talking back, and getting mad when you ask him to pick up his room!!

Just kidding (a little). Cody loved my Dad's dog Scooter, and same goes for Scooter. He used to sit right beside Cody while he was in the bouncy chair, that is the first few months after bringing him home. He just sat right there and watched Cody sleep. Cody used to follow him around every where. And they used to like watching the fish together!! He also liked posing for the camera, can ya tell??

Stop by Twinfatuation and play along

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

2009-01-23T11:36:00.005-05:00

Phavorite Phriday Photo(s)

One of my phavorite photos. Cody's 1st time Up North on Lake Michigan, and only a couple years before my Mom passed away. I guess this is why it's one of my phavorites, it had two of my Moms most precious things - Lake Michigan & Cody (Her little man).

I had to add a couple other photos to from that same day also.

It's amazing how fast time flies. It seems like this day was just yesterday. I wish I could have kept Cody this age forever!

My Phavorite place to be also!

Play along goto Candid Carrie

Ok, I'm ready for warm weather!!

2009-01-22T18:24:00.001-05:00

I am so over this cold weather. Below 0, just isn't doing it for me any more this year! I don't know about all of you, but as far as I'm concerned, we don't need the snow any more until the holidays roll around again. This last weekend I got out Mike's car-harts and then went out to play with Cody outside for a while. It was fun! We tried to make a snow fort, or igloo as he wanted to make, but I had to make him come back inside. He wanted to stay out and play, but it was just too cold to stay out for too long. It was kind of like when I was little and my Mom used to call me to come back in off Lake Michigan, my lips would be blue and shivering, teeth chattering.... "buttttttt Mommmm, I'mmmmm nottttttt coldddd!".
Cody's instructor at Karate wanted to meet with Mike & I to talk. We met with him tonight while Cody was in class. He said that Cody has been doing very well, and wants him to continue so that he can go on to get his black belt. He said it would take about 3 yrs. This is all fine and dandy, but now it's just the coming up with the $$$. And who doesn't need that!! Anyway, I think it's great that he's doing that well, and there isn't anything I would want more than to let him continue in this. Hopefully well be able to let him go forward for his black belt.
Well, not a lot else to blog about right now. So everyone take care & smile ;0)

A Big Welcome!!

2009-01-15T08:40:00.001-05:00

I want to welcome my new nephew Adam Michael. Born Tuesday morning @ 10:17, 9lb 4oz., and 20.75" long. And with lots of hair! Congratulations Barb & Paul!! I can't wait to see him for the first time. I guess everything went great with the c-section. From what I hear they will be coming home either today or tomorrow(don't quote me on that). He sure is a cutie! You guys take care & have fun with that new bundle!!

New Afghans

2009-01-13T10:23:00.003-05:00

Here a pic of the afghans I'm making for some of the children down at the RM House. Let me know what you think. I've got ideas for some more neat colors for others that I plan on making.
Just to let everyone know, my (sil) Barb is scheduled for her c-section today. She's been in my prayers, that everything goes as planned. So we will soon have another niece or nephew later today. I'm really excited about it! I can't wait to see him or her! Good luck Barb & Paul.

Everyone take care & smile!! ;0)

I'm still here...

2009-01-09T22:00:00.001-05:00

Yes, I'm still here. Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years! We enjoyed the holidays very much. It was nice to spend Christmas with family, and have most of the family together. The time went by too quick though, as usual.
Cody is back in school again. I can't believe the school year is nearing the half way mark already. It seems like it just started! He's really getting into learning about space (i.e. stars, planets, etc.), and also still interested in the presidents and collecting coins. One of the things he got for x-mas was (another) coin book. It's really cool, there are places for newer coins, and really old ones. Both Cody's Grandpa's gave him some really old coins to add to his collection, he was really excited about that!
I haven't been on the computer at all for a couple weeks, as you can tell! I've been doing a lot of crocheting. I thought it would be nice to make some small afghans for some of the kids at the Ronald McDonald House. I came up with the idea a while ago, at one of the Prayer Shawl meetings at church. I have one done already, it's girl colors. I'm working on one now for a boy. When I get that one done, then I will take them down for the children.
Mike's been busy with work, and snow plowing. That extra plowing money is always nice! He finally found a class and an evaluator, so now he's an official Fire Instructor. This will also be nice and bring in some extra money. He's worked very hard to get to this point! I'm very proud of him!
Well, I hope no one gave up on my blog! I will post some pictures of the afghans I've been working on. Until then everyone take care!

Baby Picture Sundays

2008-12-21T17:08:00.010-05:00

Play along, stop by Who Says 8 is Enough

I always liked this picture of my Dad & Cody, watching planes together. I just happened to get them both pointing at the same time. Cody got a lot of use out of that little table, and the play set in the background, that his cousins Sarah & Jacob have now.

Cody had his belt testing yesterday for Taekwondo. He's got his Yellow belt now. He was pretty psyched about it, and he did very good. I had Mom go with us. Then afterwards she took us to Mc'Ds for lunch. So here are some pic's.

Getting ready to start

Giving one of his teachers a high five after breaking his board!

After receiving his belt.

Group huddle, Cody's in there somewhere!

There were 4 groups of students, including the adult group.

About 25 students all together!

Hope everyone is doing good! I might add another blog later tonight, I'm working today/tonight. I don't think I mentioned about my Dad going into the hospital to have surgery on Friday for one of his carotid arteries. They were going to keep him for one night, but one turned into two. I'm going to call and check on him here in a little bit to see if he is home yet or not. Hopefully he is! By the way, his surgery went good, they just wanted to monitor and keep an eye on his blood pressure. Will blog more soon. Take care & Smile! ;0)

Today's Actors Studio Guest - Me

2008-12-18T16:00:00.012-05:00

I'm playing along with http://teachermuse.blogspot.com/. I like this meme a lot, so go to the site and play along! I love watching this show. James Lipton http://www.insidetheactorsstudio.com/ Today's Actors Studio Guest - Me James: What is your favorite word? Julie: Love James: What is your least favorite word? Julie: Hate James: What turns you on? Julie: Loyalty & hugs James: What turns you off? Julie: Impolite people James: What sound do you love? Julie: Adults & children laughing and having fun James: What sound do you hate? Julie: People yelling out of anger James: What is your favorite curse word? Julie: Don't have a favorite one, I try not to curse, but I do say "Gees Louise" a lot James: What profession other then yours would you like to pursue? Julie: Physicians Assistant James: What profession would you despise? Julie: A Doctor- too much responsibility (Liability) James: What would you like God to say as you enter the Pearly Gates? Julie: I forgive you for all your mistakes and bad choices, but I still welcome & love you?

Way Back When-sday

2008-12-17T10:56:00.000-05:00

This isn't the pic I wanted, but I liked this one, so I thought o'well. Cody was waiting patiently while Daddy put a toy together for him. His patients are starting to dwindle a little as he gets older, but he's still a good kid, most of the time. I hope he grows up to be like his Dad! His dad has exceptional patience, especially when it comes to me!!?? And that's all I have to say about that!
Well, we didn't finish up our x-mas shopping on Sunday, but I did finish it on Monday. Well hopefully every one is enjoying finishing up x-mas shopping & baking. I can't believe we only have a week left! Cody was excited about going back to school on Monday, but he's also excited about Christmas break. You should see his x-mas list!!!??!! I don't know if Santa will be able to deliver all that stuff, but I'm sure he will bring some of it. Anyway, take care & smile! ;0)

Baby Picture Sunday's

2008-12-14T18:24:00.004-05:00

Well, Cody's fever finally broke! Thank God! I was starting to worry that I was going to have to take him to the Doctor again tomorrow. Hopefully I'll just be taking him to school. I've still got my fingers crossed that he don't spike another one before tomorrow.
Now I can get back to posting some more happier things instead of letting you all know how sick everyone is! I forgot I even had this pic of Cody. I thought it was cute, but don't we all think our babies pictures are cute? I have so many of them it's hard to choose!
Mom came over today so that Mike & I could get out for a while and finish up our x-mas shopping. She also made some awesome potato soup in the crock-pot, and when we got back we all had dinner together. Dad had to work until 7 tonight or so. It's always nice to have dinner with Mom, that way she don't have to eat alone!
Anyway, hope you all like the pic. Take care & smile!! ;0)

A quiet Saturday

2008-12-13T17:51:00.002-05:00

Today has been a slow, quiet day. Cody's still sick, still running a fever. I'm able to keep it right around 100 to 101 with alternating tylenol & motrin. I'm starting to get kind of worried. If he's still sick on Monday, we're going to have to take him back into the Doctor. Infact the Dr's office called me yesterday about 3 times to check on him. They say that they haven't heard of any cases of children with the flu or anything else with a fever that has lasted for so many days. Cody says he doesn't want to be sick Monday, he misses school!! Can't blame the little guy! Mike brought home some IV fluids yesterday and we started an IV and ran some fluids in him last night. It seemed to help a little, but didn't last. He didn't want to at first, but we told him it would be easier than going to the ER, and sitting there for hours on end. We told him this way he could still watch T.V., and play on the computer. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this fever breaks soon! Everyone please keep him in your prayers. Will keep you all updated on how he's doing. Take care & smile. (I know I should take my own advice & smile also, it's just kind of hard right now, but I will) ;0)

A Lazy day for Cody & I...

2008-12-11T15:43:00.000-05:00

Well, Mike & I had planned to do some Christmas shopping yesterday, and maybe would have went to dinner for our 14th anniversary, but Cody was sick. He's been running a fever anywhere from 100 to 103 for the past 2 days, he's also had a headache & a stomach ache. We took him to the Dr yesterday, no strep throat, no ear/sinus infection. The doc said he might have a staph infection, and put him on some antibiotics. So we don't really know, only that he's been one sick cookie for the past few days. He layed on my lap last night while we watched some x-mas movies. When I checked his temp this morning it was fine, and he said he wanted to go to the mall & see Santa. So we ventured out to the Mall. There wont be many more years of him wanting to see Santa, so I'm gona savor every minute of it now while I've got it! When we did get home, he started not looking well again, sure enough his temp was back up to 102. Oh, well hopefully it wont last a whole lot longer.
So needless to say, Cody & I basically had a sweat-pant/t-shirt day. We watched Christmas cartoons, put a puzzle together, and ate soup. Well, everyone take care & I'll post more later...
Cody's Karate testing is the 21st not the 27th, but not sure if he'll be able to test this month or not due to missed days from being sick. We might have to wait till next month. Will let you all know for sure.
Take care & smile!! ;0)

Right around the corner!!!

2008-12-08T18:36:00.004-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I've been working a lot the last month or so. I'm just finishing up a 36hr shift, and I can't wait to leave for home!!!!!! I can't wait to finish up our Christmas shopping, and maybe making some x-mas candy/cookies. Hopefully I'll be able to do that within the next week or so. I can't believe x-mas is right around the corner! Time seems to drag when your working, then you happen to look at a calendar and it's, 'Oh my god', where did the last month go??!! Cody has his Christmas party at school on the 18th, and a field trip that same week. I'm scheduled to work. Thankfully the gal I'm working with (Allison), has a couple shifts that she said we could swap if need be so that I wont miss Cody's school happenings. I haven't missed a Christmas party yet & hopefully I wont this year either. I really don't have much else to blog about. Life's' just going on as usual. Oh, Cody has testing on the 27th for his next belt in Karate. I also posted a couple older pic's of Cody in his favorite Santa hat. Take care & smile!!! ;0)

Monday

2008-12-01T18:17:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't blogged much in the last week or so. Been a lot going on. Had Thanksgiving with my Dad & Sister Sunday. We got our x-mas tree Friday too. We go to a tree farm and cut down our own. Then after we do that, we go to a small shed that they have there, where they have hot cocoa and candy-canes. Cody thinks it's pretty cool. We don't have all of our decorations up yet, but were tyring to do it around our schedules, and also so we can do it together. Not much x-mas shopping done yet eigther, o'well we'll get there. Mike & I have our anniversary on the 10th also, fourteen yrs married (almost 17 together). My how time flies!! I couldn't have asked for a better husband! He's stuck with me thru the good and bad. I'm a very lucky girl. You all take care!

P.S. I didn't get the full-time position I put in for, God must have different plans for me. It would be nice to know what they are?!??!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T20:12:00.000-05:00

Well, Turkey Day has come and gone for another year. It was a very nice day spent with family. Mike had to work, but that just comes with the line of work we do. Cody & I went over to to Mike's Mom & Dad's today. Both Nicci & Barb were there with their families. It was nice. The food of course was all good!! Mom & Dad cooked the turkey, stuffing, gravy, and potatoes. The rest of us brought the rest. My stomach still hurts!! We will be having Thanksgiving w/ my Dad & sister on Sunday.
I can't believe no body took pictures today, I think we all had our cameras with us, it's just that no one thought about it. O'well, it happens.
Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while, my computer decided to take a break from the Internet. It wasn't letting me connect, why I don't know. It seems to be up & running fine now!?
Well I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I'm going to watch some Christmas movies with Cody & relax the rest of the evening. Everyone take care & smile! ;0)

My two for twos-day

2008-11-18T14:49:00.002-05:00

Thought I would join in all the picture fun with the "Two for Twos-days, Baby picture Sundays, etc." So here is my Two for Two-days pic, even though I'm not a parent of multilples, I only have one. But this is one of my favorite pics of Cody with his best friend Tijia. Everyone take care & smile!

In The Line Of Duty

2008-11-16T14:07:00.005-05:00

I just want to write about a Detroit Firefighter who died yesterday in the line of duty. A couple of guy's who work at Lansing Township knew him. The bad thing about it is that it was after a house fire was already put out, he and the other 3 were doing what we called salvage and overhaul, basically checking for hot spots, and the roof collapsed. Whats worse is that he was only 37, and the father of 6. His one son is also a firefighter. From what people say about him, he was someone you could always trust, and go to if you had a problem, or just needed someone to talk to, a big teddy bear type. My heart goes out to his family, and the other 3 who are still in the hospital. I will keep them in my prayers, and all the other firefighters who die 'In the line of duty'.

2008-11-13T08:55:00.005-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I've been working a lot the last month or so. I'm just finishing up a 36hr shift. I can't wait to get home!!! I also can't wait to finish up x-mas shopping, and make some Christmas candy/cookies. Hopefully I'll be able to get to that in the next week or so. I can't believe it's right around the corner. Time seems to drag when your working, then you happen to look at a calendar and, 'Oh my god', where did the last month go?
Cody's Christmas party is on the 18th, and has a field trip that same week to the Warton Center for a Christmas play. I'm scheduled to work, thankfully the gal I'm working with today (Allison), has a shift that we can switch if need be. So hopefully I wont have to miss any of Cody's school happenings.
I really don't have anything else to blog about right now. Oh, Cody has testing on the 27th for his next belt in Karate. He's excited about it!
I posted a couple old pic's of Cody in his favorite Santa hat!!
Take care & smile!! ;0)

The paperwork is in, now it's hurry up and wait

2008-11-11T21:43:00.004-05:00

Well, I turned in all my paper work for the full-time positions at Windsor today, resume, application, certificates, etc.. I also had the letter of recommendation that Chief Curry wrote up for me. Mike stopped up to the station after dropping Cody off to school this morning, and he gave it to him to bring home to me. Very nice letter! Short but sweet. I'm very happy that I was able to have that to turn in with my other paper work. I know it must be confusing hearing me talk about two different Fire departments, and two different Chief's, especially still working for the both of them. It's confusing to me also! Chief Curry is my Chief at Lansing Twp. Fire, and Chief Miller is my Chief at Windsor Fire. I love my work so much, I can't even begin to tell you! I really hope I get one of those full-time jobs.
Mike & I are still trying to figure out how we will work things out as far as Cody. We have a couple good ideas, but I don't have the job yet, so I'm not going to really rack my brain until I know for sure. Living one day at a time, ya know?

Jobs

2008-11-08T02:21:00.004-05:00

I talked to my Chief at Windsor Fire yesterday, and he told me that one of the full-time guys had quit. So now there are 2 full-time openings. He let me know because he wanted me to be able to put in my application. I'm getting my resume, and all of my certificates together and copied, etc. Mike told our Chief at LTFD yesterday too, and he said to let me know that he would type up a letter of recommendation for me. So I called him and told him that I would like him to go ahead and get one ready for me, so I can turn it in with all my other paper work on Monday. I also let him know how much I really appreciated it. I'm so excited about it that I can't sleep, if you happened to see what time I posted this?! Everyone keep your fingers crossed for me, and maybe even say a little prayer too, it wont hurt.
I'm so psyched about it you can't even begin to imagine! The one position would be every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7am-7pm, and one 24hr shift per month. The other full-time spot would be just like the shifts that Mike has, three 24hr shifts w/ a day of in-between, and then four days off in a row. Mike and I talked about it yesterday, what we would do about Cody, if we both had to work the same day and what-not, but we will work it out somehow.
Well, I'm going to try and get some sleep, since I have to work ~~tomorrow~~ today. Hopefully I'll be able to get some!
Everyone take care & smile, and I'll keep you updated. ;0)

Election Day is finally over!

2008-11-05T16:42:00.002-05:00

Now maybe we can get a break when we watch T.V, and not have to see anymore negative adds! When Cody got home from school yesterday, Mike & I took him with us to vote. We actually didn't have a wait time, got right in and right out. The reason we waited until he got out of school was that his teacher had been talking to the kids about voting and teaching them about some other political things. Well, anyway she told the parents that it would be a good experience for them, and like I said we didn't have to wait in line, so it was a great time to go. He did think it was pretty cool. He even got an 'I Voted' sticker! When we got home he put it on the door to his room. At least we don't have to worry about him not wanting to vote when he gets older, he say's he can't wait!
Take care & smile! ;0)

Too bad the Halloween candy can't be for breakfast, lunch & dinner!!

2008-11-03T22:02:00.003-05:00

Now that the candy collecting is all finished. Too bad you can't explain to kids that candy isn't considered breakfast, lunch and dinner! It's great to see how excited they get over getting all dressed up and walking their little legs off to go trick or treating! The other thing that's hard is trying to keep from sneaking a piece of their candy when their not looking!! Not that we don't have enough calories to count now that the holidays are coming! They are so fun to look forward to though, getting ready for Thanksgiving & Christmas.
I love seeing the changes that come along with them all. To bad that with the way kids grow that you also have to think about buying new winter clothes because they grow out of them so fast. Too bad you can't put a brick on their head and slow them down a little, and keep them small for a little while longer. We just got Cody's school pictures last week. It's amazing when looking through his other school pics' how much he's changed, and grown! I guess our Mom's were right when they say we grow up too fast! How right they are! But it's great to see all the changes year after year, even month after month.
Mike, Cody and I spent another Sunday with Barb, Paul & the Twinkies this last Sunday. It's was so fun spending time with them. Cody loves it so much being able to play with his little cousins! It makes him feel so grown up! He loves it now that they can actually say his name. I just wish we could spend more time with Nicci, Mike and Luke! Too bad we all don't live closer together! I guess it just makes the time we do spend together more special! I can't wait to spend time together during the up coming Holidays! Everyone take care & hopefully talk to you and see you all soon!

Life is Good!

2008-11-01T11:21:00.001-04:00

Even though there are some things in life that make me wonder, "Why Me?". I just need to stop and take a deep breath and look around at what I have, have had, and that my life really isn't as bad as it seems sometimes! And even though I don't really like change sometimes, if I don't allow that change, I'll never find out how much better life can be.

Yesterday was a good day! Cody went back to school, in time for his Halloween Party. The Doctor said at his appointment on Thursday that he only had one more scab getting ready to fall off, and that other than keeping him still on some soft foods, he should be ready to go. Mike worked last night, so I took Cody out Trick or Treating. He had a great time. We started out at Grandpa & Grandma K's, and then went over to my Dad's to finish up. By the time we were done though he was getting kind of tired and he said his throat was kind of dry. So before we went home we stopped up to the Fire Station to see his Dad, then we came home. He took a shower & was definitely ready for bed!!
We had a great Halloween! Hope everyone else did too! Take care! ;0)

Update on my Dad & Cody

2008-10-29T09:09:00.002-04:00

My Dad came home yesterday evening. Everything is going good. I talked to him this morning and he said he's feeling much better. I was starting to worry about him, like I do everything else! I guess you can just call me a worry wort!
He has to wait 3 to 4 weeks before they can fix his carotid artery. But that shouldn't take a real long time, and hopefully all goes well with that.
Other than that everything else is going okay. I will let everyone know how Cody's Doctor appointment goes tomorrow. His teacher called me yesterday morning and told me she was going to leave some more homework in the office. She also asked how he was doing, and that all the kids had made him cards that she was going to leave w/ his homework. That really brightened up his day when he read all those get well cards. I thought that was really nice that they all did that for him. He can't wait to get back to school! Hopefully it will be Friday, but will let you know.
For now, take care & smile! ;0)

Some info about my Dad

2008-10-27T17:38:00.000-04:00

I found out from my Sister earlier today that my Dad is in the Hospital. He had a heart cath today, and then they decided he needed to have a medicated stent put in one of his arteries that was pretty much blocked. I knew he was having some testing done, but I did not know as to what extent. I'm glad my Sister called me today, I wish it would have been a little sooner. I would have liked to been there while he was having all this done! I guess his blood pressure got so high they had to put him on a Nitro drip, cause I guess he was having some chest pain along w/ it. He has to have work done on his carotid arteries, one is 80% blocked also, but they have to wait now because of having to have this other stuff done. I just thought I would let you all know. I will keep everyone updated on how he's doing. Keep us in your prayers. Talk to you all soon.

A Family Filled Weekend!

2008-10-27T10:13:00.003-04:00

Cody has been doing much better. We will see the Doctor on Thursday for his checkup. Hopefully he'll be able to go back to school on Friday so he wont miss his Halloween party. Even though they don't dress up anymore! I don't understand why it's such a big deal, and Christmas also. They can't make any reference to Santa Clause, and it's not Christmas, it's 'Holiday'. That's all I'll say about it.

Anyway, Cody had his testing for his orange belt on Saturday, he did awesome! Even though they are supposed to basically holler when they do their moves and kicks. His throat was a little sore afterwards, but other than that he was fine. I can't believe how many people were there. Barb & the Twinkies, Mom K., and my Dad showed up to watch Cody. He thought that was nice to have so many family members there to watch! Then we spent the rest of the day over at Mom & Dad's w/ the rest of the family.

Sunday Mike, Cody, & myself went up to Barb & Paul's. Mike helped Paul in the basement, they got two coats of primer put up. While they were doing that Cody, and I visited with Barb, and the Twinkies. After they woke up from their nap Barb & I took them to Frankenmuth, they had a Halloween parade and trick or treating for the kids at an out-door mall. The kids had fun, even though it did rain a little, we even had pea sized hail for a few minutes. But we made it. Sarah, & Jacob were so cute, as Mickey & Minnie. Cody was Harry Potter. Then we went back to the house, and had dinner. We really had a nice time!

It was a nice weekend all together. Sorry I don't have anyother pic's, I had our old camera w/us, the one without the zoom, but didn't take any. Barb had hers and got some good pictures.

Hope everyone has a good day. Take care!

The big day has come & has almost gone!

2008-10-15T15:57:00.013-04:00

Cody's surgery went very well, it only took about 40 min. The longest time was the 3-4 hour wait afterwords, before he could go home. He did very good while they were getting him ready. Only one of us could go back in the actual surgery suite while they were putting him to sleep. All the women we walked by, the Techs and RN's, were saying 'Hi' to him, and a few of them commented on how blue his eye's were. I think he was kind of embarrassed. The anesthesiologist asked Cody if he could call him 'Codeman', he thought that was cool. Cody had to mention that his Uncle Andy calls him that too! After the sx the Doctor talked to us and told us that both tonsils were enlarged and filled with nasty (gunk) bacteria. So he said it was a good thing that he was having them out. Lot's of rest and TLC for the next two weeks, and he was strict about that. Liquids and soft foods. Boy, let me tell you he was cranky, I mean 'REALLY' cranky! We couldn't understand him when he tried to talk, which is understandable. He was getting really anxious and upset because the back of his mouth and throat was still numb, making it feel like he couldn't swallow. But now that he's home and that numb feeling is gone, he's doing much better. ;0) Mike went to Tree House Toys & Books and got him some Thomas the Train stuff, during the waiting period before going home. My Dad stopped over, after we got home, to visit. He & my sister got him a couple games for his Leapster, a little Lego car kit, and some writing tablets. So I think he's making out pretty well! I wanted to take a pic to post and this one isn't very good, because as I mentioned our good camera took a dump, and besides he was still grumpy & didn't want his pic taken. O'well Take care & smile, like I always tell Cody(and doesn't always listen)

No excuses

2008-10-14T11:31:00.004-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. I have no excuses! ;0) I was going to put a pic of Cody along with the last post I did, but our camera decided to take a dump! We have another one, we just need to find it. I'm sure all of you got Mike's e-mail about the project his crew & himself did for work. For those of you who didn't see or hear about it, I posted a picture of it on the side bar. They wanted to do something do boost morale at the station. I think they did an awesome job with it. It's about 5' x 3'. Well, Cody goes in for his surgery tomorrow morning. Hope all goes well. He had to have blood work done before hand and we took him last Friday. At first he didn't want to go do it, but once we got there he did fine, but then couldn't use his arm the rest of the day!! ;0) He really did well with it. We will have to stock up on Popsicles & ice cream for tomorrow when he gets home. I'll let you all know how his surgery goes. Nicci, I'm sorry I didn't get back right away after you tagged me on your blog, here's my answers. My Dirty Little Secrets 1. The stuff in the refrigerator that has been there so long that you forget what it was to begin with. 2.The dust on top of the things that you can't see like the book shelf, the hutch, etc... 3. The stuff I shove under my side of the bed, and on the bottom of the closet. 4. And I can't forget about the dust bunnies either!!

Update

2008-10-03T10:29:00.008-04:00

The reason the Doc recommends having Cody's tonsils & adenoids out is that, they are always swollen, therefore keeping his sinuses and ears from draining correctly. That is why he's always getting sick. Well, I knew that having this operation could help all these problems, and asked the ear doc he had quite a few years ago what he thought... "oh no, that wont help anything, that's just a myth"... I guess we should have gotten a sencond opinion back then, maybe we could have saved Cody from getting a 2nd set of tubes, and a lot of ear/sinus infections!!!! O'well live and learn right. I'm just really glad that this was the 1st thing that he (the new Doc) recommend, after listening to what I had to say. 'It always starts out as cold like symptoms and his ears are the last thing to bother him, and he almost always has to go through 2 cycles of antibiotics before he gets some relief'. Why risk having him become immune to antibiotics (if he hasn't already)? I'm just relieved now. Not keen on Cody having surgery, who is when it comes to their kids? But I really like this Doc, I knew him when I used to work at the ER at the Hospital. I never heard anything bad about him, he always had a good bed-side manner, and his pt's always came out their sx's an did well. So I'm not worried at all. I just wish I could snap my fingers and have it done and out of the way. Mike & I decided to do it now, instead of waiting for Thanksgiving or Christmas break. That way he don't have to be down and out for the holidays, and hopefully will be up and around for Halloween. The recovery time is about 10 days. I know that sounds like a long time to keep him out of school, but with as good as he's doing, we can keep in touch with his teacher & pick up school work for him to do at home, and he should be fine. Maybe, just maybe.... after this surgery, and after his recovery, things will start turning around for us. Things can only get better right? Take care & smile ;0)