Baby Picture Sundays

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

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

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

 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

 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...

 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!!!

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

 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!

 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

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

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'.

 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

 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

 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!

 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!!

 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!

 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

 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

 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!

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!

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

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

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)

Ear Doctor Appointment

Cody's ear appointment went good today. He wanted to get on his blog and tell everyone about it, but forgot his password & it's under Mike's e-mail and he's busy at work right now. Sooooo... I told Cody he could go ahead and type out something on my blog. So here it is.

I`m going to have surgery for my tonsils. They are going to take out my tonsils because they are swelling up too much.


(continued on my blog! Hope you love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)   Once I get my password I`ll put it on my blog.  Love Cody


...okay, he just wanted to type a few words. His adnoids are coming out too, oct.15th. I'll blog somemore a little later. As always, take care & smile  ;0)

One day at a time!

Well we took Cody to the Doctor Thursday, and told him all the problems we've been having with him. He asked Cody & I some ?'s. At the first appointment he almost sounded like he didn't think Cody should have any reason to be on any meds at all, but went by what was suggested to us. He wants us to get a second opinion, so that's what I'm working on now. When we had the appointment with the 1st psych after the evaluation was already done, he told us he didn't see any reason to put him on meds. But when we got the report in the mail, he had listed that medication was a consideration. So........ He seems to be doing ok now, and who doesn't have problems with little boys while their growing up?? I personally think that if he had ADHD or ADD he would have problems with academics too. I also think he just gets bored sometimes. Anyway he's off the medication! We are following the recommendation's that were given to us by his counselor, that seemed to be working fine before. I've been so beside myself this last week it's unbelievable. Sometimes I wish I could just snap my fingers and make everything better! I stopped to talk to Mom after his appointment, and that helped a lot. Hopefully next week school will still be going good for him. The only problem that he had last week was another boy hit him in the chest. Cody said the other boy thought he had spit on him, for whatever reason I don't know. But Cody was so upset when I picked him up, I thought I was going to cry. His teacher told me that Cody did defend himself (which is good), and he didn't get in trouble. He wanted to see his Dad really bad, and he was working, so I took him, and then he did do better. I think his teacher is just wonderful, which is a good thing with all that is going on. I've been keeping her updated. She's also got my phone # posted in the room so that if there are any problems whatsoever she can bypass the office and call me directly. Hopefully everything will start getting better, and I can start to relax!! I'll keep everyone posted on how things are going, and as always keep smiling. ;0) (Here are a few pic's of Cody at the Cider Mill, Mom took him there Saturday when she watched him while Mike & I both worked, He loved it MOM!!!)

A Rough Week

We were advised to consider putting Cody on medication for ADHD (which I don't think he has). We started it on Monday, and it has been a BAD week! All of the affects that we are supposed to contact the Dr immediately are most of the affects that he's having. I called the Dr yesterday and we have an appointment today to take him in and have him checked out. They also told us to stop the medication. Like I said, I don't think he needs to be on anything. I'm really worried about him. The first week of school went great, the teacher even sent home a note saying the same thing. This week has been #%#@#%!! Will let everyone know how the appointment went when we get back. Cross your fingers for us!! And as always take care & smile!  ;0)
P.S. Thanks to Mom & Dad again for watching Cody this weekend, Cody loved going to the Cider Mill!! I'll post some pictures later today!

Long Time To Get Back

 Sorry I haven't posted anything in a while. Life has been kind of busy, getting Cody back to school and all. He just finished his antibiotics the other day, and seems to be doing a lot better. We still have to make an appointment for the ENT Dr, but that shouldn't take long to schedule. He's been doing really well in school, and getting his homework done w/o much hassle. I'm also thinking about getting his eye's checked, he's been squinting a lot. Hopefully its just a nervous quirk.
  I'm going to miss Mike & him this weekend, this is the beginning of my 36hr weekend, not including the 12 I'm working today. I almost had the chance to work 60hrs, but they wouldn't let me. We could use the extra income though. O'well, that's life.
  Other than that, not much else really important to write about. Just that I'm bummed that the summer is over! I could have used a couple more weeks!! At least we can plant some of our flower bulbs for next Spring, just have to figure out where I want to put them.
  Cody decided he wants to be Harry Potter for Halloween, have no idea how to start the costume yet, but I'm sure Mom will give me some tips!!(hint,hint)
  Until next time, take care & smile!  ;0)

Cody's Dr's appointment

Well, it's just like I thought. The Doctor said it was a sinus/ear infection. He's referring us back to the ENT Doc, for either tubes or to have his tonsils taken out. He said the left one is enlarged, but they tell us that every time. He then proceeded to tell us that when they get that large it presses on the tubes that are supposed to drain, therefore the fluid sits there and gets infected. But he always ends up with a sinus infection along with it, the ears are the last thing he complains of, and when he complains about his ears it's really bad! This makes 3 or 4 already within the past year. He's feeling better today, but we did keep him home from school, I don't think he minded that! Hopefully he'll feel even better tomorrow. So I guess that's about it for today. So everyone take care & smile. ;0)

Laying on the couch all day.

My day started early, say around 2:30am. I heard Cody coughing, and calling for either Mike or I, couldn't tell which. Anyway he's got a headache, sore throat, he's sneezing/coughing, and he's running a fever. Classic sinus/ear infection. That's the way it always starts. He was fine Friday & Saturday. In fact Saturday we had a retirement party that we all went to. It was fun. They roasted a pig, and lot's of other good food. They also had games for the kids. The only thing Cody had been complaining about a little was a scratchy throat. We thought it was just allergies. Well I need to put Cody to bed, hopefully he'll sleep all night. We are keeping him home from school tomorrow so we can make a Dr's appointment for him. Will let you know what they say. Take care. ;0)

First Day of School!

I can't believe my baby is 8 years old, and going into 3rd grade! He was excited about it. With his camouflage backpack w/wheels, and even though it got up into the mid to high 80's today, he still wanted to ware his lined sweatshirt jacket. He didn't have it on though when I picked him up from school!?!?! I wonder why?? O'well. He likes his teacher, and from what was sent home today and a couple notes she's written, I think it is going to be a good year for him! Last year the teacher used to send home writing, math, science, as well as having things to read. Which I think was too much for a 2nd grader. Besides I think he was getting a little too bored with some of it. I think I noticed 3 or 4 kids that he had in his class before, whom he got along with pretty well. Mike & I are going to keep our fingers crossed and say a few prayers anyway!! Getting back to his first day, he did say he had a good time, liked his lunch, and got along with his teacher. The only problem I had with him today, or I should say tonight, is that he didn't want to get out of the shower. He wanted to play! So it was a little later getting him to bed than at his regular time (8-8:30). We started getting him used to the earlier bed time a few weeks ago, because during the summer we were letting him stay up til 9:30-10. O'well, I finally got him in bed, said prayers & good-nights about 8:50. Which isn't that bad, but he knows his alarm clock is set for 7am! I miss Mike, he's working 48hrs, so I wont see him till Thursday morning. I guess goes the same for him sometimes. I work the 1st 12 on the 19th, then go back the next morning and work 36hrs. I guess they say "absence makes the heart grow fonder", right!?! Well, I just wanted to let everyone know how Cody's 1st day at school went. So I will write again soon! Take care & smile, and try to think only of the good times when things get rough!! ;0)

Happy Labor Day!

 Hopefully everyone is having a good day! I'm working so I haven't been home, but it's been a good day here at work for me. I'm hoping Mike makes something good for dinner!! (hint, hint)  Barb, hope you didn't have to work today, and that you, Paul & the Twinkies are having a good day! I've been thinking about you a lot this past week. Are the kids getting used to daycare yet? You've all been in my prayers.
 Mike took the check for MDA down today, they had it live on TV, but I missed it. I wasn't sure exactly what time he was going to be there. O'well such is life, at least I'll get to see him when I get home!! ;0)
 Cody did look like he was kind of swimming in that Karate outfit the other day! I'm going to have to hem the pants, and learn how to tie the shirt (has weird places for the ties). Anyway, got interupted on a run, and now that I'm  back its time to go home. So, Take care & smile!  ;0)

Cody's First Karate Class

I took Cody to his first Karate class after dinner last night. He loved it, and did very well. I got the time messed up though, I was supposed to have him there at 4pm, and I took him to the advanced class at 5. They told me he could stay and participate, that it wasn't a problem. They held the belt ceremony after the class. They didn't have anymore child size belts so they had to use the adult size one, but they cut it down to size afterwards. Cody really did well, in fact he met and worked with two little friends from school! He said he's going to put something on his blog (we'll see!!) I've been bugging him to at least put down a hi or something, but he'd rather play. O'well it is still summer, for at least another couple days anyway!! The summer went by way to quick!!!!! As always take care & smile!  ;0)

Feeling Better

  Mike went back to work today. He's feeling much better, so he tells me?! I really do think so he's walking in a straight line and moving much quicker. The Doctor said that there are little particles in the ear that can come loose, and when they do they can throw you off balance and make you sick to your stomach. Never knew that! I don't think she ever did say if there was an actual name for what it is. Other than that, things are good. I need to do some cleaning around the house, helping Cody pick up his messes too!! It's finally raining outside a little, we need the rain big time, so I guess today would be a good day to clean.
  I had Cody enrolled in Karate classes the other day. There are 2 parts to the class. There's actual Karate, and the other part is called Life Principals where they teach them anger management, and other social skills. I think it will be very good for him, and hopefully help with interactions with others at school this year.
  Hope everyone else is doing good. Take care & smile!  ;0)

A busy weekend

I want to thank Mom & Dad for watching Cody all day Friday & Saturday. Mike & I both worked Friday and Saturday we were out collecting money for MDA(fill the boot for the Fire Dept.) I was out all day Saturday, and Mike was out all day both Saturday & Sunday. Mike was in charge of the program and the gal from MDA stopped by the house to pick up the check today. All together we collected over $6500.00, our goal was only set for $2500.00. So that's why I want to give Mom & Dad a big thanks for watching Cody for us again!!
I had to pick Mike up from work sick today, so I was busy taking care of him today. He had vertigo really bad, don't know why. I took him to the Doctor this afternoon and he's feeling a little better now. I also had an open house at Cody's school this evening to meet his new teacher and check out his new class room. His teacher seems to be really nice, I think he'll have a good year. Thank goodness!! Other than that, that's been  our weekend and week so far. Thank goodness for small miracles. Talk to you all soon! Take care & smile!  ;0)

Coupons

I came across a cool site today, geared towards busy Mom's. Just thought I'd share it with the other Mom's I know. Hope you check it out, and find it useful! If you do check it out make sure you scroll down all the way on the main page. Take care & smile! ;0)http://www.momsview.com/

Relief!!

Well we found out the results of Cody's testing today. All looks good. He's reading & writing at a 7th/8th grade level!!! His math skills need a little work, but with that he's right on track. They said his academic skills are great! They didn't find any disorders, other than he might have a little bit of a problem concentrating but nothing else.They told us he's just strong willed, and basically a perfectionist, therefore when he tries something once and doesn't succeed he don't want to try it again. He just needs to learn to deal with his anger, and needs to work on his social interactions with other children.  We're working on that, we have been for quite some time. He's just a normal 8yr old boy. What a relief!!! I was so worried that they were going to tell us that he has some disorder that we have to put him on medication for. No medication, and no special instructions other than getting him more involved with some extracurricular activities. He's already taking guitar lessons, and we are going to look into getting him into cub-scouts and maybe soccer. They gave us some good pointers. I'm so happy to find out the results. I've been worrying for that last few months. It feels like a weight has been lifted. It's not easy raising a child(ren), they don't come with an instruction manual so you have to learn as you go and do the best that you can. It's hard not to want to shelter them so that they don't get hurt, and grow up to be caring individuals. I guess sometimes you have to let God take control and hope for the best, and hopefully he'll grow up to be a very caring, respectable person. Thank's to everyone who kept us in your prayers, it helped!! Love to all! Take care & smile!  ;0)

I'm Married to a Lieutenant!!!

Mike got the news yesterday from Chief that he would be Lieutenant effective Sunday! Finally after 15yrs+. I'm very proud of him, he's worked hard for this, and deserves it! He was given his bars for his shirt today when he showed up for work. I just talked to him a little bit ago (we are both working 24 today), he said that some guys from some other departments have already stopped in to congratulate him. Heck, at that big apartment fire the other day he had guy's congratulating him and he didn't even know that the decision was made yet. I guess you can say word gets around. Chief probably said something at the last Chiefs' meeting. Anyway I just want to congratulate him again, and let him know that I am so very proud of him. I have a better picture of him but it's at home, so this one will have to do right now. I will post a better one tomorrow when I get home. As always, Take care & smile!    ;0)

The Sugar Shack

I finally got some pic's from my Dad of the updates on my Uncle Nates Sugar Shack. It caught fire and burned down late Spring this year. For those of you who don't know, I have some relatives who make maple syrup, maple candy, maple butter, etc. They have about 380 acres of land split up between them and my Uncle Nate does this every Spring. Cody usually goes up with my Dad on Spring Break to help out, and loves it. He'll be able to have some wonderful memories, and some good stories to share with his children when he gets older. Anyway they have most of it ready to go for this next Spring. Everyone helped rebuilding it (relatives, uncles, cousins, friends) including my Dad. The first photo's are of this last Spring, and then the rebuilding. Take care & smile! ;0)

Is the summer almost over?!?

I can't believe the summer it almost over! Where did the time go? O'well, we have a few more weeks left to enjoy. The last couple weeks haven't been real productive, actually it's been kind of boring. Just the same ol' same ol', anybody have days (or weeks) like that? I just want to make sure it's not just me. I'd like to try and make it down to Greenfield Village with Cody, sometime within these next couple weeks or so. I do have to say, the summer has gone by fast, but it's been a good summer. Especially when it came to spending time with family. I'm glad we were able to spend so much time with them. Hopefully we will get the results of Cody's testing next week. We have an appointment on Wednesday of next week. It would be nice to have before school starts again. We will keep you updated. Until then .. Take care & smile ;0)

A Long Day!

Sorry it's taken me so long to post anything in the last week. It's been very hectic around here lately. I didn't think today was ever going to come to an end. We took Cody for his testing today, for those of you who don't know we are having him tested for ADHD, ADD, Asperger's, etc.etc....... Anyway, it lasted right at 3hrs straight. We had to be there at 8:30 am (and of course wait a half hour first). We tried to get him in bed early last night, he had trouble getting to sleep, and then woke us up at 4:30 this morning letting us know his tooth was bothering him?!?!(I'll get to that in a minute). He never did get back to sleep, and neither did Mike nor myself. He did pretty well today considering being sleep deprived, I know Barb understands that!! He was wiped out by the end of his appointment, he fell asleep on the way home. It's been really trying around here the last month or so. Hard to keep sane sometimes. I really don't think there is anything wrong with him except being a normal hard to deal with 8yr old, who needs to have rules and consequence's "SET IN STONE". But at least we will have it down on paper hopefully before the school year starts back up. That way we wont have anyone telling us that there is something wrong with our son, and hopefully wont have any of them calling CPS on us again!! I think we took all the right steps through this whole process. So actually it's been a long 6 months!!! Oh, back to his tooth?? He's been complaining of his tooth bothering him, and before he went to bed last night he said something about his ear hurting(on the same side - hint hint). So yes after his 3hrs in testing this morning, we called the family doc and they wanted to see him at 2:10, and yes he has another ear infection, and that's where the pain in his tooth was coming from (referred pain from the ear infection). Well he's all taken care of now, antibiotics, Tylenol, and ear drops if we need them, and a lot of TLC!!
I can't forget to let Mom know how much I appreciated my birthday dinner last Tuesday, and the movie "Mama Mia" on Sunday. Thank you, Thank you, I loved it!!!
Take care & smile, and hopefully talk to all of you soon!  ;0)

Cody's Birthday

I know it was Saturday, but life has been a little busy. Cody did have a nice birthday, it was also his cousin Luke's 6mos birthday. He's such a good baby, it's unbelievable! We just had a small get together with family. The weather was great, and he did get some really neat gifts. The slip'n'slid he got from Grandma & Grandpa went over really well. Cody's little cousins had a blast on it! I didn't take many pic's, but that happens. I'm really happy it turned out well, even though Cody had a few tantrums! Thanks to everyone who showed up, it was a really nice day!!  Take care & smile   ;0)

Proud of my Family

It's hard to believe that 8 short years ago Mike & I were just starting out on our journey with Cody. First grandchild, and now look!! We're all Mom's and Dad's now. I just want you all to know how happy I am to be part of this family! It's a good thing. Take care & smile.   ;0)

Our Little Boy is growing into a 'Big Boy' TOO FAST! But we are very, very, very proud of him ;0)

Last night I got a call from work to come in for a couple hours to cover for Hazmat training, but the officer who was supposed do the training, called this morning saying he was not going to be there, cuz' there wouldn't be enough people to show up to train. Surprised a lot of people, and myself because I had the idea that I would only be there for a couple hours, well come to find out they called someone else to work the rest of the sift and she said she couldn't get there til 10am. Confused?? Yeah, well I was to! I could have made different arrangements and been able to work the whole shift if they wanted(who knows). I knew we might get a call, but nothing seems to hit the fan when I work, at least the last 3 shifts!!  The only problem is that I had Cody with me. My Dad is up-north, Mikes Mom & Dad both working. He likes being in the living quarters, which has a big 52'' flat screen-TV, so he watched that, read some of his books, and played w/his cars. It figured since the last 3 shifts we worked I didn't pull a wheel only once, and having Cody long enough for me to do rigg checks, and the other station duties that he would be fine upstairs watching TV in the living quarters for a little while. Well we end up getting a call for a standby for suicidal pt until PD got there, then another one right after we got to the hospital, then another just after that, we had to call Mutual-aid for that one.

I just wanted to let everyone know how big my little boy is getting!!  /:0(  He stayed right where I told him to!!  The only reason I agreed to do this is that I thought there would be people at the station for training.   But I explained to Cody that if he does hear the tones and I have to leave, he knows to stay in the building because he wouldn't be able to get back in. And besides I knew he would be safe in there, cuz we lock everything up before we go. When we did get back he was fine, upstairs watching TV!!
All I can say is that it was an exciting morning, for Cody and myself (especially the call we had!) Let me ask you how many Cops does it take to taze a paraplegic in a wheel-chair? (My thought exactly)
Anyhow I just wanted to let you know how proud of Cody I am!!!!! Very responsible! Next time I will get more info on what my roll at work be if I get called in on such short notice(for training!!??).
Anyway, Take care & smile  ;0)    Life is Good!!
These pics are a few years old but I like them, figured this would be an appropriate posting to put them with!

I'm Hungry

I imagine all of us at one point or another had been hungy for something, and went on a search in the refrigerator for something to eat? Am I right? Did you find something in there that you forgot was there and said "hmm, this sounds good". Well Cody went on a search today and pulled out a bag of baby carrots and sat down on the couch. He put his hand in the bag, "MOM, their furry!" I bet at least 1 or 2 of you have done that before! I told him to go throw them out and look for something else. Well come to find out there was another (fresher) bag of carrots in there, and he asked me if they were any good. Well, I told him to open up the bag and look at them, "Do they look "ok?", "yep", "Do they smell ok?", "yep", "Then try one, does it taste ok?". He hesitated for a minute while he looked it over, then took a bite, "yep".
It was so funny! I guess we need to clean out the vegetable drawer! O'well that's family life. Sometimes you get busy with everyday life and forget about the refrigerator. If that's the worst thing that happens, I guess life can't be that bad!
Not much else of interest has gone on today. Cody did lose the last of his stitches yeasterday. He's happy about that. Now we just have to keep something on it to help keep the scarring to a minimum. Anybody have any suggestions?
Hope everyone has a great day. Take care & smile!  ;0)

A Day at the Zoo was 'Twice' the Fun

We had an fun day at Potter Park Zoo! We had blue skies, and it was a little hot & humid, but still a lot of fun. L&L Food Centers had their 'Zoo Days', so we had 'Grandma' pick up free tickets at the store for us. My sister Barb & the Twinkies went, along with two of her girl-friends who also have twins. Everyone had lunches packed. It was a nice change of pace, and even though it was really busy, we still had a nice time. There aren't a lot of changes really, from the last time we took Cody there about 5 years ago. Hopefully we can all get together again and go to another fun spot somewhere! Thanks to all for a fun day!

Cherish Today

Yesterday was a nice day. The weather was perfect. Cody & I both had Doctor's appts' in the morning. The rest of the day we spent outside putzing around, and of course Cody spent the day playing w/ Lyndsey. Our neighbor Carol had her grandson over the weekend, so all 3 kids played together. And we thought he(Cody) would be bored this summer! It's great to sit back and watch them play. It brings back memories of being little. I don't think there's an adult who don't wish at some point they could be little again. No job, mortgage, car payments, or laundry. Now we have to much to do & worry about. We don't go by age in half years anymore, we don't just sit down with a coloring book and color, we worry to much about eating fattening foods, pretend that we are super hero's, and wonder if Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny are going to make a visit. It was awesome being a kid! The only thing we worried about was getting older so that we would be able to ride the big rides at the carnival, graduating so that we didn't (think) we had anymore school or homework, and what we wanted for Christmas and our birthday. Boy, wouldn't it be wonderful to be little again? If only we would have listened to our Moms and Dads when they told us not to want to grow up too fast, and that when we had kids of our own that they would grow up too fast also. I try to savor every moment with Cody I can. Sometimes I wish I could just make time stand still. When he was less than a month old, we wished he was old enough to sit up, then when he was sitting up, we wished he was old enough to walk so that we didn't have to carry him everywhere, then we wished he was old enough to talk so we didn't have to play the 'guessing game'. But now I miss all of that! I don't wish for yesterday anymore, I hope for today, because when tomorrow gets here today will be gone. Now I know what it really means to 'Live life like there's no tomorrow', and that's just what I try to do. So savor every moment. Live, Laugh, and Love! Take care & smile! ;0)

Time flies when you're having fun!

Wow this weekend flew by to quick! I guess maybe because the weekend started out with Mike & I working on Friday, and then Mike had to work again today. Cody went to Grandma & Grandpa's Thursday night, and went with them up to Barb & Paul's to spend Friday night. Thanks again Mom & Dad for watching Cody on such short notice, we both appreciate it very much. He had a really good time up there, especially at that park with all the inflatable playground toys.... I guess that's what you call them, o'well, visit Barb's blog she has pics of them on there. Thanks to Barb & Paul too for all they did with Cody. He really enjoyed himself, especially the 'Cody' pancakes Paul made for him Saturday morning. He made them in the shape of the letter's in Cody's name. How cool was that! Saturday when Cody got home we just kind of hung out & watched movies together, had a nice dinner and that was about it for Saturday. Today Cody & I spent the day outside, I worked in the backyard with all my flowers, and he played with his friends all day. I tried to keep them outside because it was so nice out, but no could do, they were in and out all day. But they had fun. They surprised me by getting my back side with a squirt gun while I was bent over one of the flower beds! I had to laugh, though they thought it was funny when I took off after them with the hose!! At one point we went to Lowes, I needed to get some bug spray for my Roses, the Japanese Beetles are out & about trying to eat the new buds. Bye, Bye Beetles!!! Anyhow, we had some excitement when we were coming home. We seen the Fire truck, ambulance, and cop cars out in front of his little friend Lyndsey's house. Cody wanted to walk over there to see what was going on, so we did. Lyndsey's Dad was backing out of the driveway (looked before pulling out,nothing) then all of a sudden a guy on a 'crotch rocket' (job security!!)t-boned him, by the looks of it & with no skid marks and the damage to Todd's car, I would say he was going around 50+ (in a 35mph zone). Thankfully Todd wasn't hurt, he was the only one in the car, Lyndsey and her Mom were both in the house. The guy on the bike, well that's another story. I'll just say he'll be in the hospital for quite a while. Let me tell you, it was hard for me not to want to jump in & start doing my job, Mike said if he would have known that I was right there he would have called for me to help. They needed an extra hand rolling the guy on the back-board,they ended up calling the second ambulance. O'well, anyhow that was some of our afternoon excitement. Then after our baths, Cody & I just watched some TV, and then he went to bed & me? I'm still on the computer!! LOL ;0) Take care & smile!

100% Boy!!

Life with a 7yr old, or as Cody would say "7 & 3/4". Anyway this is what its like trying to get him to sit still for the camera, to see how his 'boo boo' is coming along. ;0)